IRB said in a statement that the syndicate's modus operandi is to call victims directly and ask them to pay for outstanding tax payments by transferring money into a bank account which is not owned by IRB.
“Besides, the victims were also told that they were allegedly involved with tax evasion and money laundering, and would threaten to freeze the victims’ bank accounts under the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA)," said IRB.
The victims will then be connected to a "police officer" and were asked to transfer all of the amounts to a third-party account to avoid their bank account from being frozen.
"Other victims will be contacted by the syndicate who are impersonating as police officers, informing them about supposed outstanding tax arrears. They will order them to download a fake mobile app supposedly from Bank Negara Malaysia or share private and confidential banking details in a fake website supposedly owned by Bank Negara for investigation purposes," added IRB.
In addition, some of the victims were contacted by an "IRB officer" using phone numbers that are similar to the number of IRB through a spoofing technique. The victims were told that they have outstanding tax arrears of companies that are registered under their names and were asked to pay the amount to a third-party account.
IRB advises the public to check directly at the Hasil Care Line, Customer Care Line, IRB inquiries application, or go to the nearest office if they receive a phone call, message, email, or letter from IRB that are suspicious.
Also, IRB reminds the public not to reveal any private banking or information, click on any links received via dubious emails or any applications from unknown users, and only make payments directly to IRB.
Photo Source: Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia
Source: The Star || The Sun Daily
Cover Photo: Malay Mail || Whistle Out
