For the past several months, we have heard countless stories of people who had their bank account completely emptied out by scammers whenever an online transaction is made.
For this 80-year-old woman however, she was stunned to see only RM19 in her bank account despite not using online banking at all.
Left with only RM19
Her son, Azleen Abdul Rahim, wrote on Twitter detailing how it happened.
It has since attracted much attention as more Malaysians began sharing how they lost their savings without their knowledge.
My 80-year old mom just lost her entire savings from her Bank Islam savings account. An account that has no link to e-wallet, online banking whatsoever. No TAC, nothing. Yet this happens. It shows that saving our money in the bank today is no longer safe.
— Azleen Abdul Rahim (@azleenabdrahim_) October 24, 2022
In the tweet, Azleen said that although his mother had a debit card linked to her bank account, it was mainly used for cash withdrawals.
She also had no electronic banking arrangement, e-wallet or online shopping platform connected to the account.
As such, both she and Azleen were shocked to find that her five-figure deposit dropped to RM19 in it when she went to withdraw money a few days ago.
He also said that his mother didn’t receive any notification beforehand.
She went to the bank earlier to withdraw some cash, the machine said insufficient fund with only RM19 left from 5-digit amount. Just like that, gone. Call centre said, a withdrawal was made online. No SMS, nothing. This account is just a normal savings account with debit card.
— Azleen Abdul Rahim (@azleenabdrahim_) October 24, 2022
Bank tries to help
When Azleen consulted the bank over the incident, he was told that there were several online transactions that were made even though his mother never used online banking.
After we asked customer service, we learned that my mother’s deposit was transferred through online transactions. My mother’s bank account was not set up with e-banking, nor was it bound to e-banking or other online trading platforms, and she had never received any bank SMS notification.
The bank also revealed that there were some unauthorised transactions for e-wallets and online shopping.
Despite the unfortunate encounter, Azleen thanked the bank for giving assistance.
They’ve walked through every single transaction and explained to her slowly about this incident. Tomorrow, after her 2nd session with the Bank Islam team to conclude the investigation at the bank level, she will lodge a police report and leave this matter to the police.
— Azleen Abdul Rahim (@azleenabdrahim_) October 25, 2022
Not the only one
Following Azleen’s tweet, many netizens have shared their own similar experiences.
Last 2 weeks my colleagues lost her savings total RM18k from Maybank. Left balance RM9. Didn’t click any link, never receive any tac no, didn’t share her user id and password to anyone even though her own husband. Keep money in the bank not safe, keep in house also not safe. 😓
— Divager’s Sister Forever (@DeathIsSure2810) October 24, 2022
Pernah kene 900, call cimb, they ask to lodge police report, kept on follow up the case until now no result from both. They said can’t do anything… now insaf once paid all my bills, i withdraw the balance. A bit menyusahkan but better than hilang 🤷🏻♀️
— Cholimxo (@Cholimxo1) October 25, 2022
Baru je berlaku, hilang rm188 dari debit card Maybank, details transactions fb ada yg xpernah pun guna ads. Nasib perasan mesej ada transaction dari akaun. Sempat transfer amount lain kat bank lain. Tp duit xdpt semula la. Gugur jantung sbb transaction berlaku setiap 2mins. 😱.
— NY (@chybijaksana) October 24, 2022
They have also offered various theories as to how one’s entire savings was siphoned without prior warning.
Some speculated that someone might have set up online banking for the account without Azleen or his mother’s knowledge.
They also deduced that if it was an online transaction, someone may have opened up her account for electronic banking in order to get the TAC code.
Others opined that anyone could easily set up an electronic bank, update the mobile phone number on the ATM, and receive the TAC code for an online transfer if they landed their hands on the woman’s debit card and PIN code.
Azleen later said that he had gotten in touch with the bank for further action and will be lodging a report to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) for an investigation into the matter.
Please contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 (8am-8pm daily) or the bank authorities if you ever encounter unauthorized cash transactions from your account!
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