In the age of smartphones and constant connectivity, mobile fraud has become a prevalent threat, and a recent scam report highlights the alarming consequences.
Imagine receiving a scam call that not only tricks you but also drives you into a nightmarish situation involving a staggering S$300,000.
This chilling incident sheds light on the dark world of phone scams and the financial fraud orchestrated by scammers operating from Malaysia.
In this article, we will delve into the details of this harrowing scam call, explore the tactics employed by these fraudsters, and discuss the importance of staying vigilant to protect ourselves from falling victim to such scams.
A Call That Turned into a Tragedy
In this economy, the fear of losing a significant portion of one’s hard-earned money is a nightmare shared by almost everyone.
Sadly, this nightmare became a reality for Lee, a 39-year-old man who fell victim to an anonymous call scam just two days ago, losing RM1 million (US$222,880) in a 14-second online banking incident.
The tragedy unfolded when the caller claimed to be from PosLaju and requested Lee’s one-time password (OTP). However, Lee grew suspicious when asked for his bank account’s OTP and suspected foul play.
Despite terminating the call, he discovered that RM1 million had been swiftly withdrawn from his account.
Lee promptly reported the incident to the bank and filed a police report. Seeking assistance, he approached Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) for help.
According to Michael Kong, the special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, the money was transferred to an account named “Celcom Sdn Bhd” based on Lee’s online bank transfer records.
Expressing concern over the escalating online banking fraud cases, Kong called on the federal government to address the issue urgently.
He questioned how such large withdrawals could occur within minutes without proper security measures in place, highlighting the need for banks to be accountable for the losses incurred by these scams.
While the DAP has reached out to the bank involved, Kong expressed dissatisfaction with the standard response of waiting 14 days, emphasizing the urgency for the bank to explain the circumstances behind such a significant transaction.
He stressed the importance of banks reinforcing their security measures to prevent further instances of online fraud and restore public confidence in their ability to safeguard savings.
Ultimately, the government must take swift action to combat bank fraud and ensure that banks are held responsible for the losses suffered by victims. With the security of financial institutions being compromised, it raises concerns about the safety of savings for ordinary individuals.
How to Report a Scam Call in Malaysia?
The NSRC (National Scam Response Centre) is a powerful collaborative effort between the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), the police, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), financial institutions, and the telecommunications industry.
By pooling their resources and expertise, these institutions unite to swiftly and effectively combat various financial schemes.
Types of Fraud Investigated by the NSRC
The NSRC primarily focuses on online financial schemes. This includes instances where victims discover unauthorized transactions in their bank accounts or are tricked into transferring funds through online financial services.
Phishing scams, Macau scams, malware attacks, package delivery scams, and romance hoaxes all fall within the scope of the NSRC’s investigation.
Assistance Provided to Victims by the NSRC
Upon receiving a report, the NSRC coordinates a rapid response involving law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and telecommunications companies.
Their aims are to prevent further financial losses for the victims, trace stolen funds, investigate the crime, and pursue legal action against the perpetrators.
What to Do If You’ve Been Defrauded
If you have fallen victim to a scam, take immediate action to minimize further financial loss:
1. Contact Your Bank or Call 997
Reach out to your bank’s 24/7 hotline or the NSRC’s 997 hotline (available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including public holidays) as soon as you discover unauthorized or unintended bank transactions.
This prompt action can help intercept stolen funds and potentially save you thousands. While there is no guarantee of a refund, swift reporting is crucial.
2. File a Police Report
Alongside notifying your bank or the NSRC’s hotline, promptly file a police report at the nearest police station. This step is necessary to initiate a formal investigation. Prioritize contacting your bank or the NSRC’s hotline first to save time.
3. Inform your Creditor Regardless of the Timeframe
Even if the incident occurred more than 24 hours ago, contact your bank. The NSRC’s 997 hotline is primarily for emergency response, so a prompt reaction may not be possible in such cases.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to disclose the scam to your bank so that appropriate actions can be taken by the authorities.
How to Report a Scam Call in Singapore?
Scam calls are an unfortunate reality in today’s digital age, and it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and others from falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
If you receive a scam call in Singapore, here are the steps you should follow to report it:
1. Hang Up and Do Not Share Personal Information
The first and most important step is to end the call immediately. Do not engage with the scammer or provide any personal or financial information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information over the phone.
2. Take Note of Caller Details
Make a mental note of the caller’s phone number or the displayed caller ID. This information will be useful when reporting the scam call to the relevant authorities.
3. Report to the Police
Contact the Singapore Police Force by dialing the non-emergency hotline at 1800-255-0000. Inform them about the scam call, providing all relevant details such as the caller’s phone number and a brief description of the incident. The police will document the report and investigate the matter accordingly.
4. File a Report with Scam Alert Websites
Singapore has dedicated websites and platforms where you can report scam calls and help raise awareness about the ongoing scams in the country. The websites include:
>> ScamAlert.sg <<
Visit the official website of Scam Alert Singapore (www.scamalert.sg) and submit a report. Provide accurate information about the scam call, including the caller’s phone number, time of the call, and a description of the scam.
5. Anti-Scam Helpline
You can also call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 to report the scam call and seek further advice from the authorities.
6. Inform Your Phone Service Provider
Contact your phone service provider and notify them about the scam call. They may have their own mechanisms in place to track and investigate fraudulent activities on their networks.
Sharing the caller’s phone number with your service provider can assist in their efforts to identify and block scam calls.
7. Educate Others and Share Information
Help protect your family, friends, and the wider community by sharing information about the scam call you received.
Spread awareness through social media, word of mouth, or community forums to prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
Alert !! Information Needed to File a Fraud Report
When reporting a scam call, gather the following information:
- A concise description of the incident, including a timeline of events.
- Your personal information: name, contact details, identification number, and bank account number.
- Scammer’s information: name and contact details.
- Transaction specifics: bank account number(s), transfer balance, and transfer time.
- Additionally, be prepared to provide evidence such as transcripts of conversations with the con artists to support your case.
In a Nutshell
The S$300,000 scam call serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by phone scams and the devastating financial fraud they can lead to.
This real-life incident underscores the importance of being aware and cautious when it comes to unexpected calls and requests for personal or financial information.
Phone scams continue to be a significant threat, with scammers operating from various locations, including Malaysia. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed, exercise skepticism, and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against falling victim to these deceptive tactics.
By staying vigilant, we can minimize the impact of mobile fraud and protect our hard-earned money from these scammers.
Protect Your Endpoint Security Now!
Related articles:
Malaysia’s Cyber Threats Spike: Take Action Now to Stay Safe
WhatsApp Scams Hit Malaysia! Are You Falling Prey to the Sneaky Scammers?





![Teamwork Made Simple: How SMEs in Malaysia Stay Organised with Google Workspace Teamwork Made Simple: How SMEs Use Google Workspace to Stay Organised [Image] Discover how Malaysian SMEs use Google Workspace to stay organised and work like corporates. Learn teamwork hacks for proposals, spreadsheets, and project tracking. Boost productivity, save time, and simplify collaboration with Exabytes Google Workspace solutions. Targeted Keywords: Google Workspace Malaysia, Google Workspace for SMEs, teamwork with Google Workspace, Google Workspace collaboration tools, SMEs productivity tools Malaysia, project tracking with Google Workspace, Exabytes Google Workspace solutions Teamwork Made Simple: How SMEs Use Google Workspace to Stay Organised Running a small or medium enterprise (SME) in Malaysia often means juggling multiple roles at once — handling sales proposals, updating financial spreadsheets, managing HR files, and following up on client emails. Without the right tools, these daily tasks quickly become scattered across WhatsApp chats, email attachments, and endless file versions. This is where Google Workspace comes in. Designed as an all-in-one productivity suite, it helps SMEs streamline teamwork so even small teams can operate with the efficiency of large corporations. 👉 In this article, we’ll explore: - Why staying organised is critical for SMEs. - Real-life scenarios where Workspace improves teamwork. - How proposals, spreadsheets, and projects get done faster. - Extra features beyond Gmail, Docs, and Sheets. - A Malaysian SME case study. - The importance of security and trust. - Why Exabytes is the right partner for local businesses. --- Why Organisation Matters for SMEs Organisation is not just about being neat — it directly affects profit and growth. According to a study, unclear communication and disorganisation cost teams 20–30% of their productivity. For SMEs in Malaysia, where teams are often small and resources limited, this impact is even greater. Consider this: - A delayed proposal can mean losing a valuable client. - A duplicated spreadsheet entry may create cash flow miscalculations. - Misplaced documents can slow down regulatory compliance. By adopting structured tools like Google Workspace, SMEs can: - Share and edit files in real-time without confusion. - Keep communication centralised, reducing reliance on messy WhatsApp groups. - Track tasks and projects systematically. - Build a professional image when engaging clients and partners. --- Scenario 1: Sharing Proposals Without the Chaos Imagine a sales executive at a Kuala Lumpur-based SME preparing a proposal for a major client. Traditionally, the process involves: 1. Drafting the proposal in Microsoft Word. 2. Emailing the attachment back and forth for edits. 3. Managers reviewing different versions simultaneously. 4. Confusion about which “final_v2.docx” is the actual final version. With Google Docs in Workspace, this chaos disappears: - Multiple teammates can edit and comment in real-time. - The manager can approve changes instantly without version clashes. - A single live link is shared with the client, avoiding outdated attachments. For SMEs, faster proposals mean a higher chance of closing deals ahead of competitors. --- Scenario 2: Collaborating on Spreadsheets Made Easy Finance and operations teams often depend heavily on spreadsheets. But with manual file sharing, version mismatches and calculation errors are common. With Google Sheets, SMEs benefit from: - Live updates: everyone works on the same file simultaneously. - Data integrity: built-in change history reduces the risk of accidental deletion. - Advanced features: pivot tables, charts, and even integration with external data sources. - Access control: sensitive data is view-only for some, editable for others. 📍 Example: A Penang-based SME tracks supplier payments and client invoices in Google Sheets. When a team member updates a supplier’s payment status, the finance manager sees it in real-time. No delays, no duplicate records. 💡 Supporting Research: A PwC report found that while digital tools can boost productivity, clarity in digital processes is essential for improving employee morale and reducing workplace stress. --- Scenario 3: Tracking Projects Like a Corporate Giant One of the biggest struggles for SMEs is managing multiple ongoing projects without expensive software. Google Workspace makes this simple by combining Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Meet. - Project files are stored in shared Drives, eliminating scattered folders on personal laptops. - Deadlines are synced to Google Calendar, with automated reminders. - Weekly check-ins are held on Google Meet, where teams can update progress directly from linked Docs and Sheets. 📍 Example: A Johor-based creative agency uses Workspace to manage multiple client campaigns. Each campaign has its own shared Drive folder, with timelines tracked on Calendar. The team no longer spends hours asking “who has the latest file?” — everything is in one central place. 💡 Research Insight: A report by International Data Corporation (IDC) sponsored by Google found that organisations using Google Workspace gained significant productivity benefits, including an average reduction in project delivery time compared to traditional methods. --- Beyond the Basics: Features SMEs Often Overlook Many SMEs in Malaysia still think Workspace is only about Gmail, Docs, and Sheets. But it offers much more: - Smart Canvas: assign tasks, insert checklists, and tag teammates directly inside Docs or Sheets. - Google Chat Spaces: structured, searchable team chatrooms — a more professional alternative to WhatsApp groups. - App Integrations: connect Workspace with Asana, HubSpot, or Trello to create a central hub for all work. - Forms & Surveys: quickly gather staff feedback or client inputs without relying on third-party tools. These features transform Workspace into more than just a productivity suite — it becomes a complete SME management platform. --- Case Study: Malaysian SME Scaling Faster with Workspace A Johor Bahru-based e-commerce SME adopted Google Workspace after struggling with scattered tools (email on one platform, Dropbox for storage, Trello for tasks). Within six months: - Proposal turnaround dropped from 3 days to 1 day. - Finance reporting errors decreased by 40%. - Meetings became shorter and more effective as updates were visible in Docs and Sheets before calls. - Team onboarding improved as new hires could access all resources in one shared Drive. This shift helped the SME appear more structured to partners and investors — a critical factor in securing funding. --- Security and Trust — Even for Small Teams SMEs are often targets of cyberattacks due to weaker security setups. A 2024 report by Lockbaud indicates that small companies experience a 350% increase in social engineering attacks compared to larger organisations. With Workspace, SMEs benefit from enterprise-grade security without the costs: - TLS encryption for email. - Two-step verification for accounts. - Admin controls for file sharing and device access. - Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to prevent accidental leaks. This means even a small 5-person team can have the same protection as a multinational corporation. --- Why Malaysian SMEs Choose Exabytes for Workspace While Workspace itself is powerful, implementing it correctly can be tricky. That’s where Exabytes steps in: - Migration support: move old emails and files without disruptions. - Local support: 24/7 assistance from Malaysia-based teams. - Affordable pricing: plans customised for SMEs. - Training & onboarding: ensuring staff adopt the tools effectively. For Malaysian SMEs, this local support makes all the difference in achieving smooth digital transformation. --- Conclusion For SMEs, staying organised isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about survival and growth. With Google Workspace, small teams can: - Share proposals seamlessly without version confusion. - Collaborate on spreadsheets with real-time accuracy. - Track projects like corporate giants. - Leverage security and integrations usually reserved for big enterprises. The result? Faster decision-making, a more professional image, and stronger client trust. In Malaysia’s competitive market, these advantages give SMEs the agility they need to thrive. 👉 Ready to simplify teamwork for your SME? Explore Exabytes Google Workspace solutions today. --- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Here are answers to common questions Malaysian business owners ask about Google Workspace: 1. Why should SMEs in Malaysia use Google Workspace instead of free tools? Free tools like Gmail, Dropbox, or WhatsApp may work initially, but they lack consistency, professionalism, and control. With Workspace, SMEs get a unified system for communication, file storage, and collaboration. This means fewer errors, faster decision-making, and a stronger brand image. For SMEs competing in Malaysia’s crowded market, these small advantages add up. --- 2. How does Google Workspace improve teamwork compared to traditional email attachments? Traditional workflows often involve endless email chains and multiple file versions. With Workspace, all team members edit the same document or spreadsheet in real-time. The “version history” function ensures no data is lost. This means fewer misunderstandings, less back-and-forth, and faster project completion. --- 3. Is Google Workspace too advanced or costly for small businesses? Not at all. Plans start at just a few ringgit per user per month, making it affordable even for micro-SMEs. More importantly, the time and errors saved often outweigh the subscription cost. Plus, Workspace scales easily as the business grows. --- 4. How secure is Google Workspace for SMEs? Very secure. Workspace uses enterprise-grade security, including TLS encryption, two-factor authentication, and AI-driven spam/phishing filters. According to Google Cloud, Workspace blocks 99.9% of spam and phishing attempts before they reach inboxes. This gives SMEs protection usually only accessible to large corporations. --- 5. Can Workspace integrate with the tools I already use? Yes. Google Workspace integrates seamlessly with CRM software like HubSpot, project management tools like Asana, and accounting platforms like Xero. SMEs can keep using their preferred apps while enjoying centralised communication and file management. --- 6. How does Workspace help SMEs present a professional image? Emails from yourname@yourcompany.com look far more credible than free Gmail or Yahoo addresses. Consumers are more likely to trust and buy from businesses with branded email addresses. For Malaysian SMEs, this can be the difference between closing or losing a deal. --- 7. Does Workspace help remote or hybrid teams in Malaysia? Yes. Workspace is cloud-based, so employees can log in from anywhere. Whether staff are in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or working overseas, they can collaborate seamlessly on Docs, Sheets, and Meet. This is crucial as hybrid work is now the new normal in Asia. --- 8. How does Workspace reduce reliance on WhatsApp groups? Many SMEs in Malaysia still run projects through WhatsApp, leading to lost messages and scattered files. With Google Chat and Spaces, discussions are structured, searchable, and tied directly to files in Drive. This prevents important updates from being buried in casual conversations. --- 9. What happens if my company grows quickly? Workspace scales effortlessly. Adding new staff is as simple as creating new accounts under your domain. Each team member instantly gets access to shared drives, branded email, and collaboration tools. This keeps the organisation consistent as the team expands. --- 10. Can Workspace really save time for SMEs? Yes. Features like Gmail’s Smart Compose and Docs’ AI suggestions help employees write faster and avoid repetitive tasks. Google mentioned that AI across its productivity suite saves its 3 billion users' time. (Google Blog). For SMEs, time saved translates directly into cost savings and faster client responses. --- 11. How does Workspace help with project management? Workspace combines Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, and Meet into a single ecosystem. SMEs can store all project files in shared folders, assign tasks via Docs or Sheets, and schedule deadlines in Calendar. This makes project tracking far simpler compared to juggling multiple third-party apps. --- 12. Is Google Workspace mobile-friendly? Yes. According to DataReportal Malaysia 2024, 96% of Malaysians use the internet via smartphones. Workspace has official apps for Android and iOS, so employees can check emails, join meetings, or update files while on the go. --- 13. Can Workspace improve customer service for SMEs? Absolutely. SMEs can set up specific email addresses such as support@company.com or sales@company.com. This ensures customer queries are directed to the right team, speeding up response times and improving satisfaction. Customers perceive the business as more organised and professional. --- 14. Is it difficult to migrate from Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook to Workspace? Not with the right support. Google offers migration tools, and Exabytes provides local assistance to transfer emails, contacts, and files safely. This ensures zero downtime, so businesses can continue operating smoothly while upgrading to Workspace. --- 15. How does Exabytes support SMEs using Google Workspace? As an official Google Workspace Partner in Malaysia, Exabytes offers: - Domain setup and email migration. - Training sessions for your staff. - 24/7 local support in English and Bahasa Malaysia. - Affordable SME-friendly pricing plans. This means SMEs don’t just get the software — they get guidance to fully maximise its potential.](https://i0.wp.com/www.exabytes.my/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/5273896e-9703-42cd-8d04-7e9ab092839a.png?resize=218%2C150&ssl=1)



















