Scammers are getting smarter, and one of the latest tricks involves impersonating government cybersecurity officials. It usually starts with a call from someone pretending to be from Pusat Cyber Putrajaya or a similar-sounding authority. They claim that your phone number has been reported for sending out scam links and will soon be terminated unless you cooperate.
The script is carefully staged to scare you into compliance:
Step 1: The initial scare call
You get a call from an unknown number, usually starting with 011, 013, or another random mobile prefix. The caller introduces themselves as being from Pusat Cybersecurity Malaysia in Putrajaya and claims your number has been flagged for sending misleading links to others. They pressure you to either call back or stay on the line. To sound more convincing, the scammer will typically speak in Malay, making it appear as though the call is really from a government agency.
The script typically goes like this :
"Kami dari Pusat Cyber Securiti Malaysia, Putrajaya. Nombor anda 01X-XXXXXXX akan ditamatkan kerana terdapat banyak aduan bahawa anda telah menghantar pautan palsu atau scam kepada orang lain minggu lepas. Kami perlu sahkan laporan ini."
Step 2: Fake transfer to authorities
Once you respond, they escalate the situation by saying they have already contacted the police. The call then gets “transferred” to someone posing as a police officer. This adds a false sense of urgency and legitimacy.
Step 3: The fine offer
The fake police officer accuses you of online crimes and tells you the matter can be resolved if you pay a fine. This is where the real trap begins.
Step 4: Handing over money
The call is transferred yet again, this time to a so-called “fines department.” You’re given instructions to transfer money to a random bank account. Because of the fear of being “charged” or having your number blocked, many victims end up paying.
Step 5: Repeat targeting
Once you’ve paid, scammers may either disappear or keep calling to squeeze more money, telling you additional reports have come in against your number.
Step 6: Lingering fear
Even after the calls stop, victims are left anxious and confused, wondering if there really is a case against them. This psychological pressure is part of how the scam works, it keeps you from immediately realizing you’ve been conned.
How to Protect Yourself
- Government agencies do not call from random mobile numbers.
- No legitimate authority will ask you to transfer money to a personal bank account.
- If you get such a call, hang up immediately and never give personal details.
This scam thrives on fear and confusion. Once you recognize the script, it becomes obvious: it’s not cybersecurity, not the police, and definitely not the government. It’s just scammers trying to make you panic so you’ll pay.