Watch Out For Scams And Fraud

Wangiri Fraud

Ever received missed calls from international numbers you don’t recognise? They are likely scam calls generated by fraudsters. They will call a user and hang up right before it is answered, hoping the person will return the call. These numbers are charged at premium rates, and users who call back will be hit with exorbitant charges.

IMPORTANT: Don’t return calls to international numbers that you don’t recognise.

Browser & Pop-up Scam

When browsing the web, you might encounter pop-ups that ask you to click on a link to fill out a survey or choose a gift box to win a “prize” (such as phones, electronic devices or accessories). You will then be led to a payment page where you have to “redeem the prize” by paying a small amount via credit card, or enter your personal details or bank details.

IMPORTANT: Maxis will never ask you to fill out forms with personal details to win a prize. If you are browsing the web and receive this pop-up, please close the browser.

SMS, WhatsApp & Email Phishing

Scammers often pose as real businesses like Maxis using phishing emails, SMS or WhatsApp. They may contain links that take you to a mirror copy or clone of a real website where your personal information will be requested. This can lead to identity theft, as well as unauthorised access of your bank accounts and more.

IMPORTANT: Maxis would never request for a customer’s credit card details or PIN number via email.

TAC Scam

Transaction Authorisation Codes (TAC) are a security measure to prevent unauthorised transactions and account activities, but scammers have found different ways to get around the system.

For example, when scammers identify a Maxis user, they will attempt to log into their account. A TAC will then be sent to the victim’s mobile phone for authorisation. Scammers can then use various means to obtain the TAC. One of them is by impersonating a Maxis employee and calling the victim to “reward” them with free data and credit. The unsuspecting user is asked to share the TAC in order to receive their prize, but when they do, credit is syphoned from their prepaid account via the Share-A-Top-Up feature.

IMPORTANT: This method can be applied to your bank account as well, so remember to never share a TAC you receive with someone else.

Android App Scam

Targeting online shoppers, this scam tricks buyers into downloading an APK file on their phone to obtain their personal details. This allows scammers to steal money from victims’ bank accounts.

Scammers would use Facebook to advertise items like TV streaming services for sale. After agreeing on an offer, the victim would have to download an APK file. In order to use the app, victims would be asked to register with their name, IC number, email, and even their credit card number. Upon filling in the information, a “page error” would be shown. The scammers would take this opportunity to move the victim’s money to their own accounts.

IMPORTANT: Avoid downloading APK files, especially from unverified sources.