Tired of the increased reports of scams and frauds in Malaysia? We’ve all heard the horror stories of how unsuspecting victims lose their hard-earned money to cunning fraudsters. It is diligent worrying about who’s on the other side of that unknown call or SMS. This is why knowing how to check a scammer’s phone number in Malaysia is a necessary tool in your fight against scams. This article offers useful insights on the essential steps to carrying out a scammer phone number lookup, alongside how to report a scammer in Malaysia.
Why Do I Need to Check Scammer Phone Number
There are many reasons why you need to carry out a Scammer phone number lookup. They include:
- Identify the scammer: Checking the phone number of the scammer can help you uncover the full name and identity of wherever that phone number is registered.
- Gain education: It can deepen your knowledge about the techniques that scammers use which further safeguards you from scams.
- Report scams: Gaining more insights about the scammer’s phone number can prove helpful when reporting the incident and phone number to the appropriate authorities. It can also help if you decide to register your complaints about the phone number on online databases. Such a move can also help others avoid family victims of the same scam.
- Avoid financial loss: Verifying the owner of that phone number helps double-check before getting involved in any financial deals with that suspicious phone call or text.
- Stop harassment: If you’re being harassed, the insights from your scammer phone number lookup can help build up your legal action to stop the harassment.
How to Check Scammer Phone Number in Malaysia
There are diverse tools and methods you can use for a scammer’s phone number lookup. Let’s explore the most dependable solutions to try.
Use Reverse Phone Number Lookup
Reverse phone lookup services provide a straightforward approach to finding matching data and records associated with that phone number. These tools can shed light on these unknown callers and especially validate their legitimacy.
MLocator
Mlocator offers a comprehensive reverse phone lookup service with an extensive database containing landlines, cellphones and unlisted numbers. With this fabulous tool, you’ll find the associated name and identity behind that phone number. You can also find carrier or network provider information, and validate whether the phone number has been connected with scams, alongside social media profiles linked to it. To check scammer phone numbers in Malaysia using Mlocator:
- Go to the MLocator reverse lookup service.
- Enter the phone number (with its country code).
- Tap “Search.”
- Enter your email address to proceed.
💰Pricing: begins from $0.89 per search
✨Pros
- Helps identify potential scammers and unwanted callers
- Offers insights about the caller’s location and background.
- Does not store your data and keeps all your activities on the platform anonymous
- Relies on an extensive database of phone number and caller information across the globe.
- Does not require installing a mobile app.
❌Cons
- No free plan
- Information accuracy may vary
Whoscall
Whoscall is a fantastic call identification app that helps protect you from scammers. It works as an application on your Android or iPhone providing active monitoring of any phone calls or text messages you receive. Therefore, it can help identify and potentially block suspicious phone calls and texts. To use this tool:
- Register your identity.
- Next, enable via Settings> Phone> Call Identification & Blocking
- Now when you receive calls or texts, Whoscall identifies who’s behind them.
- To also check manually, go to “Search” at the bottom.
- Whoscall, automatically finds the registered identity on the platform.
- Next, type in the number you want to check.
💰Pricing: Starts free, paid service begins from $1.66 per month.
✨Pros
- Free app to download
- Extensive database of phone numbers and caller information
- Provides real-time caller ID and spam detection
- Allows the community to report spam calls
❌Cons
- The free version only gives caller ID and spam detection.
- Whoscall’s effectiveness can be manipulated by scrupulous users.
- Like many other app-based services, Whoscall collects user data.
Check the Scammer Phone Number at PDRM CCID System
PDRM CCID is the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Royal Malaysia Police. They provide an extensive database of known scam phone numbers using the Semak Mule pr PDRM CCID portal that allows you to double-check any number associated with fraudulent activities.
There are three ways to use the PDRM CCID system for your scammer phone number lookup. You can either check for details about the latest scams on the platform or use the dedicated search area to find information about any bank account or phone number used in the scam.
To use the PDRM CCID system for your scammer phone number lookup:
- Go to the PDRM CCID phone number lookup portal
- Select the Category under the box called “Enter Keyword.” Pick the Phone Number Category and type in the phone number
- Enter the captcha and select “check information”
- You’ll see if the phone number has been reported previously.
- Tap “Fill Questionnaire” to make your report.
Alternatively, you can check the bank account number used in the scam using these steps:
- Go to the CCID portal.
- Navigate to the Bank account category, and enter the bank account you want to check.
- Solve the Captcha and tap ‘check information”.
- You’ll see if the bank account number has been reported or not.
- Tap “Fill Questionnaire” to make your own report.
PDRM’s official website also allows you to check for famous scams that have happened during the year. Here’s how:
- Go to the CCID website.
- Tap on ‘Others” and select “Prevention & Tips”
- Browse through the screenshots.
Also, CCID provides an Android APK for those who carry out online transactions regularly. Simply tap download to check scammers’ CCID in real-time.
Reach Out to the SKMM Enforcement Agency, PDRM, BNM
Malaysia also has several rapid-response communications channels that can help you report or look up a scammer’s phone number. Here are the multiple ways to do that:
- Call the National Scam Response Center or NSRC on line 997: The NSRC is a combination of the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the National Financial Crime Prevention Center (NFCC). You can call this call center set up to stop the flow of money to cybercriminals. The line operates from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm every day.
- You can also call the CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-26101559
- Consider using the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s complaint channel and hotline via 1800-188-030 to report misused phone numbers and spam SMS.
- You can also call the BNMLINK which is a call center that works via 1300- 88-5465. This is the best number for reporting cases involving financial or banking fraud.
Social Media and Search Engines
People often complain about being scammed on their social media posts and forums. So, your social media platforms and search engines can be powerful tools for identifying potential scammers. Here’s how to use them to carry out a scammer phone number lookup
On Social media such as Twitter or Facebook
- Go to the search bar and type in the phone number. Next, press “Enter” and browse through the results.
On Google or other search engines:
- Type in the phone number. Press the Enter key to uncover news articles, blog posts, or forum discussions that mention the phone number.
Check on Scam Reporting and Awareness Websites
Besides the number of ways to report scams mentioned above, there are other dedicated platforms for scam reporting and awareness. Let’s talk about two critical methods:
SCAMMER Malaysia (Facebook groups or forums)
Scammer Malaysia is an online community that shares valuable information about scams and scammers. Here you’ll find details of the most recent scams, alongside tips and details on the latest tactics used by scammers. All you need to do is join the group on Facebook to get started.
Talian Nur (15999)
Talian Nur is a hotline dedicated to providing counseling and support to victims of scams. If you’ve ever been a victim of this horrible experience, consider giving them a call. They will provide personalized information on how you can make your reports alongside protecting yourself. All you need to do is call the number 15999 to get started.
What Are the Scammer Phone Number Patterns?
Although technology has made it easier for scammers to create fake phone numbers, there are still common patterns you can watch for:
- Unusual area codes: Be careful of calls from family area codes. And even when they seem familiar, be extra wary of businesses claiming to call to “help” you about anything.
- Frequent calls: Scammers may call multiple times from unknown numbers, especially in a short period.
- Robo-calls: Scammers also use automated calls with pre-recorded messages frequently to deliver their pitch and get you to follow some steps often required quickly.
- Request personal information: Absolutely no one should ask you for your personal information such as your driving license number, credit card information, bank account details or social security number, especially when you did not place the call on your own.
- Threats, urgency and bad news: Often scammers try to make you panic, so you won’t think so much about the sensitive information you are giving to them.
Where to Find the List of Scammer Phone Numbers in Malaysia?
It’s important to always check scammer phone number databases to help confirm if the phone number has been used in a previous scam. There are some ways you can find this list of scammer phone numbers in Malaysia including:
- Semak Mule’s official portal to check the up-to-date list of reported phone numbers involved in fraud.
- Local websites and forums devoted to security issues often provide a list of scammer phone numbers.
How to Report Scammer in Malaysia
You should always report a scammer especially whether they were successful or not. This can help build up legal cases against them if they are caught. It can also help other people be extra-cautious if they find themselves in similar situations. Let’s talk about how to report a scammer in Malaysia.
Report a Scammer’s Phone Number
To report a scammer phone number, follow the steps below:
- Check the CCID portal to see if the number has been reported before, followed by filing a questionnaire.
- File a report at the nearest station.
- Call the NSRC on 997 with details including the scammer’s phone number, date and time of the call and your interactions.
Report a Scammer’s Bank Account
Reporting a scammer’s bank account involves a slightly different process to make sure all the interested authorities are aware of the event.
- Check the scammer’s phone number using the CCID portal. Also, file a report as well.
- Call the NSRC on 997 to make a complaint.
- Call the BNMTELELINK complaint channel. Alternatively, use the MCMC’s hotline at 18000-188-030
How to Report Scams to Authorities in Malaysia
Comprehensively, we’ve talked about the numerous ways to check a scammer’s phone number. But you may still worry about the most straightforward way to report to the appropriate authorities about a scam event, especially when it is successful.
Contact SKMM Enforcement Agency
First, you need to contact the SKMM Enforcement agency by using the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). You can do so using any of these methods:
- Report online: Fill out the contact form line via the MCMC official website
- Call the hotline: Dial the MCMC hotline at 18000-188-030 to report the scam.
- Visit an MCMC office: If preferred, visit the nearest MCMC office to file your complaint in person.
Report to Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)
Next, you’ll need to report to the Royal Malaysia Police to make sure the details of the scam event are all in evidence. You can use any of the following ways:
- Go to the Semaluk website and fill out the questionnaire to file a report about the phone number and bank account number used in the scam.
- Visit the nearest police station in person to complete your report. Ensure you provide as many details as possible. This would include the scammer’s contact details, financial transactions, screenshots of your messages with them and any other evidence you have.
Inform Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)
Finally, you’ll need to inform the Bank Negara Malaysia using their Financial Consumer Protection Department. Remember you’ll need to also provide as much information about the scam including the financial institution involved and any losses incurred.
FAQ
How do you know if you are chatting with a scammer?
To know if you’re chatting with a scammer, look out for red flags like urgent requests pressuring you to make quick decisions. They might also have deals that seem too good to be true, or they might pose as legitimate businesses but ask for sensitive information such as your bank account details or social security number.
Can I check an International scammer’s phone number?
Use a reverse phone lookup service like MLocator to uncover details such as their network provider, the registered identity and geolocation. Alternatively, use government online databases such as the PDRC system in Malaysia. Also, try searching for the phone number on social media to discover any publicly available information.
How to protect ourselves from scammers?
Protecting yourself from scammers begins with check-mating every unknown call or text. Also, avoid trusting unsolicited messages or calls especially when they ask for personal information or money. And always independently verify people before making any deals with them. Finally, use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts, alongside 2-factor authentication.
Wrap Up
There are many fantastic ways to check scammer phone numbers in Malaysia. From using reverse lookup tools like Mlocator, to the official channels, and social media. It’s important to always check suspicious phone numbers and report them effectively. Use these tools, we’ve shared to empower yourself, fight back and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
