Loan Scams: How to Check and Report Scammers
Loan Scams: How to Check and Report Scammers
Scams and fraud have existed for as long as people have looked for fast and easy ways to make money. Today, loan scams in Malaysia are becoming increasingly common, especially online. Scammers target individuals who urgently need financial help, taking advantage of people who may already be under financial pressure or emotional stress.
As more people apply for online loans, scammers have become more advanced in their method. They hide behind computer screens and pretend to be licensed money lenders to trick borrowers. Unfortunately, some scammers have also been using ACOM (M)’s name to mislead borrowers and the general public.
This guideline explains how to identify loan scams impersonating ACOM, perform a scam check in Malaysia, and how to report ‘ACOM’ impersonation scams using official Malaysian platforms.
ACOM (M) is a KPKT licensed online loan provider. ACOM never appoints any individual agents or company, as all loan applications and processes are handled only through our official online application portal. ACOM will also never cold call you to offer loans nor will we not ask you to make any upfront payments. All communication with any loan applicant will only be made through ACOM’s official channels, and only for the purpose of requesting missing information or supporting documents.
Common Loan Scam & Impersonation Tactics Used by Scammers Posing as ACOM (M)
One of the most common tactics used by loan scammers is impersonation. Scammers may pretend to represent established lenders, including ACOM (M), to appear credible and gain trust. This tactic relies on familiarity. When the caller uses the name of a legitimate company, people are more likely to lower their guard and question the situation less. There are many real-life examples of such tactics. Some of them include:
● Contacting individuals via WhatsApp or Telegram using unofficial numbers while claiming to be ACOM staff.
● ACOM (M) will never contact anyone who has not made a loan application through the ACOM Application Portal.
● ACOM (M) never asks applicants to pay “upfront payment”, “insurance charges”, or “unlock fees” before any loan is disbursed.
● ACOM (M) never pressuring applicants by saying approval will be cancelled if payment is not made immediately
In many such cases, all communication takes place only through personal messaging apps. There is no official email record, no verified office contact number, and no clear reference to an application submitted through a recognised platform.
Conducting a basic scam phone number check at this stage can help identify warning signs early. Phone numbers linked to scams are often reported by multiple users online or do not match the official contact details published by the licensed lender.
How to Check if your ACOM Loan Offer Is Legitimate
Confirm You Are Using Official ACOM Channels
The most effective way to avoid loan scams is to apply only through licensed lenders and verified platforms, such as ACOM’s official website. Be cautious of any WhatsApp or Telegram messages claiming to be from ACOM but which looks suspicious. If you receive any communication that claims to be from ACOM (M) and you are unsure about its legitimacy, you should verify it by contacting ACOM directly through the contact details listed on their official contact page at https://acom.com.my/en/contact.
Legitimate correspondence will never ask for upfront payments before loan disbursement and neither will it rely solely on personal messaging apps.
Verify ACOM’s License with KPKT
In Malaysia, lenders licensed by the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government (KPKT) can be checked through official government channels and through their list of fully licensed online loan providers. By doing prior checking and research on such resources, users can confirm whether a lender is properly registered.
You can also perform a scam check in Malaysia by cross-checking the company names, license numbers, phone numbers, and website addresses you receive with KPKT’s resources before responding to any offer.
Run a Scam Phone Number and Bank Account Check
You can use Semak Mule to check whether a bank account numbers or phone number for a scam reported on https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my and stop any action immediately should any details be flagged.
As a general rule:
● Confirm lender credentials through official listings and apps
● Do not make any payments before receiving the requested loan
● Verify phone numbers using reliable scam phone number check tools.
● Avoid responding to unsolicited loan offers
Though caution may slow things down slightly it significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to loan scams.
How to Report an ACOM Impersonation Scammer in Malaysia
If you believe you have encountered a loan scam, taking pro-active action and reporting the scammer can help protect others from becoming victims. There are several ways to report a scam, but the most effective approach is to first gather as much relevant information as possible, such as:
● Phone numbers or messaging app accounts used by the scammer
● Screenshots of conversations or payment requests
● Bank account details provided by the scammer
● Copies of fake documents or approval messages
Once the details and documents have been collected, you can follow the following steps to report the scammer
1. Report to PDRM CCID Immediately
You can lodge a report through the CCID Scam Response Portal at https://ereporting.rmp.gov.my if you encounter a scammer. If money has been transferred, you should take action within 24 hours by submitting all supporting evidence, including chat screenshots, transaction records, and bank details.
2. Lodge a Police Report
You may also visit the nearest police station or submit an online police report. Be sure to keep the police report number for future reference.
3. Notify ACOM (M) Directly
If someone is pretending to be ACOM (M), you should notify ACOM (M) directly through their official contact channels and provide full details of the suspected impersonation. This will allow ACOM (M) to issue public alerts and take the necessary steps to protect customers and the public.
Documents to Prepare for Most Loan Applications
Understanding what licensed lenders normally require can help you identify suspicious or unusual requests. For legitimate loan applications, documents are requested for clear and specific purposes, and the process usually follows a standard procedure.
Most licensed lenders will ask for:
● Identification documents (such as IC)
● Proof of income, like recent payslips
● Bank statements
● Basic employment details
Scam attempts often stand out because they ask for documents or payments that do not align with this process. For example, scammers may ask for upfront cash transfers, prepaid cards, or personal online banking login details. These are clear warning signs. Licensed lenders will never request confidential information or unusual payments of this nature.
In the past, many reported scam cases have involved fake application forms and edited approval letters requesting such information or payments. Victims are often instructed to transfer money to personal bank accounts. Although these fake communications may appear convincing at first glance, they usually contain inconsistencies or suspicious details when examined closely.
Protect Yourself from Being an Online Scam Victim
Loan scams often rely on creating a sense of urgency and confusion. Knowing how to perform a scam check in Malaysia, understanding common scam tactics, and recognising the proper loan application process can significantly reduce your risk.
If you are planning to apply for a loan, taking a few extra minutes to verify the lender and confirm the information provided can help prevent financial loss. Always apply through official and trusted channels. When you are ready to proceed with a legitimate application, submit your application only through ACOM (M)’s authorised platform to avoid unnecessary risks.
