When an Elderly Person's Account Is Involved

When an older relative is caught up in a scam

Finding out that your parent or older relative was scammed, and that their account is now frozen, is upsetting. You may feel worried, and maybe frustrated too.

What they need most now is patience. Blame makes them more ashamed, and it makes the full story harder to get.

Why scammers target older people

Scammers can target anyone, including older people who may be less familiar with online tricks.

A call from a fake officer, a fake bank, or a friendly new contact online can be very convincing. Some older victims end up receiving or moving money because they thought they were helping someone or following official orders.

First, stop any ongoing scam

If money is still being taken, call the National Scam Response Centre on 997. Victims can report scams there and ask for urgent freezes ^[f1].

Then collect the facts calmly. Find out who contacted your relative, what they were told, and what they were asked to do. Keep every message, call log, receipt and bank slip.

Ask gently and let them talk. A relative who feels judged may leave out the parts that matter most.

Check what is flagged

You can use the PDRM Semak Mule portal, which shows whether an account or phone number is flagged as a mule ^[f2]. Do it together and write down what you find.

If police are investigating, the case may sit with CCID (JSJK), the Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman ^[f3]. Contact may come from that unit or from the district police.

Being tricked is not the same as knowingly helping

An older person in these cases can be a victim too. Being tricked into receiving or passing on money is very different from knowingly running a scam.

That story has to be explained clearly and backed by messages and records. It should not just be assumed.

Do not let your relative answer police questions alone. A lawyer can explain each step beforehand and help your relative prepare to give a clear and accurate statement.

Getting legal help on a pension

Worry about cost is normal, especially on a pension. The Legal Aid Department (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman) may give legal help at low or no cost to people who meet its income test ^[f4].

Contact them, or a private lawyer, before your relative gives any statement. Advice at the start shapes what follows.

Look after them, not just the money

An older person in this situation may feel humiliated, or afraid they have let the family down. Tell them clearly that the scam is not their fault and that you are on their side.

Feeling supported makes it easier for them to be honest, and that can help them explain what happened.

If your parent’s account is frozen or police have been in touch, send us the details by WhatsApp. We can refer your family to a lawyer.

Sources

1. https://www.nsrc.gov.my/
2. https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/
3. https://www.rmp.gov.my/
4. https://www.jbg.gov.my/