Task Scams in Malaysia
Malaysia is a primary source and target market for task scams, with organised crime groups operating from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru running operations that exploit high youth unemployment and familiarity with digital payments.
Part of: Task Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Malaysia occupies a dual role in the global task scam ecosystem: it is both a significant source of task scam operators — many run from peninsular Malaysia and affiliated with broader Southeast Asian cybercrime networks — and a major victim market, where young, digitally engaged Malaysians are recruited as both victims and unwitting money mules.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Cybersecurity Malaysia have issued repeated warnings about 'kerja online penipuan' (online job fraud), and the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regularly blocks fraudulent recruitment websites.
How this scam works on Malaysia
WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin circulate task scam recruitment messages claiming affiliation with major Malaysian e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, or TikTok Shop. The daily task format — reviewing products, boosting ratings, clicking ads — is familiar to Malaysian internet users.
Local context elements include payment via Malaysian banking apps (Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks, Touch 'n Go e-wallet) in the early stages, transitioning to cryptocurrency as amounts increase. The use of locally recognised payment platforms initially reduces suspicion.
Money mule recruitment is intertwined with task scam recruitment in Malaysia: some 'tasks' involve receiving and forwarding money through personal banking accounts, making victims complicit in money laundering without fully understanding the implications.
Common red flags
- WhatsApp or Telegram recruitment in Bahasa Malaysia or Mandarin for 'kerja online' with named Malaysian platforms
- Task platform that asks for Touch 'n Go, Maybank, or DuitNow payment to unlock earnings
- Task described as receiving money into your personal bank account and forwarding to another account
- Promised earnings per task that are implausibly high compared to normal Malaysian wages
- Platform that requires cryptocurrency after initial bank-based deposits
How to protect yourself
- Do not allow your personal bank account to be used to receive and forward money from strangers
- Verify job offers through official Malaysian company websites and CTOS or SSM company searches
- Report task scam recruitment to CCID (Cyber Crime Investigation Division) Polis DiRaja Malaysia
- Report to Cybersecurity Malaysia at mycert.org.my
- Do not pay any activation or unlock fee to any online task platform
How to report it
- Report to PDRM CCID at ccid.rmp.gov.my or the Talian Bantuan Keselamatan Siber 1-800-88-2999
- Report to Cybersecurity Malaysia at mycert.org.my
- Contact your bank immediately if funds were transferred
Frequently asked questions
Can I be prosecuted for forwarding money for a task scam in Malaysia?
Yes. Using your bank account to receive and forward funds for a task scam is money laundering under Malaysian law, even if you believed you were doing a legitimate task. Report any such arrangement to PDRM immediately rather than continuing to participate.