Should Malaysians be wary of unsolicited calls claiming tax issues?

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Malaysians should exercise caution regarding unsolicited calls alleging tax issues.

Unsolicited calls that claim to be from tax authorities like the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and mention outstanding tax debts or suspicious account activity should be treated with significant skepticism. These calls often represent a tactic used by scammers attempting to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. Such schemes frequently involve impersonating government officials, including those from the LHDN and law enforcement agencies, to lend an air of legitimacy to their fraudulent demands.
Impersonation of Government Agencies

Scammers frequently pose as representatives of official bodies such as the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to initiate contact. These individuals may fabricate scenarios where a company or individual purportedly owes a substantial amount in taxes. In some instances, the scam involves a simulated transfer to a police department, where another imposter, often claiming to be a police sergeant, will then proceed to "record" a police report over the phone. This layered impersonation is designed to create a sense of urgency and officialdom.
Tactics to Obtain Financial Information

A common objective in these fraudulent calls is to pressure the recipient into disclosing bank account details. The scammers may allege that the individual's bank account has been used for illicit activities, such as money laundering, to further frighten the victim. They might then request personal banking credentials, such as login details, or ask the individual to visit an ATM to provide information under the guise of verifying account status or making a payment.
Verification of Official Communications

When contacted by an entity claiming to be a government agency regarding tax matters, it is advisable to verify the legitimacy of the communication independently. Tax authorities typically do not initiate contact through unsolicited calls demanding immediate disclosure of sensitive financial information. For official matters, it is best practice to contact the relevant agency directly using publicly available contact information, rather than relying on details provided by the caller.

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Should Malaysians be wary of unsolicited calls claiming tax issues?

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