The Truth Behind “Saya Dari Pihak Bank” Calls

The Truth Behind “Saya Dari Pihak Bank” Calls

Almost every Malaysian has received it at least once — a phone call that starts politely with, “Saya dari pihak bank.” The voice sounds calm, professional, and confident. They know your name. Sometimes they even know which bank you use. Before you realise it, the call has already taken control of your attention.

These calls are scams, and they are far more common than many people want to admit.

The trick is simple. Scammers pretend to be bank officers and create a problem that needs “urgent action.” They may say your account has suspicious activity, an online transaction is pending, or your card will be blocked. Fear does the rest. When people panic, they stop asking questions and start following instructions.

What makes these calls dangerous is how normal they sound. The caller speaks in proper Bahasa Melayu or clear English. They use banking terms like “verification,” “security check,” or “temporary freeze.” Some even transfer the call to a so-called “senior officer” to make it feel more official. None of this is real.

Real banks do not work this way. Banks will never call you and ask for your full card number, PIN, One-Time Password (OTP), or online banking login. They will never tell you to transfer money to a “safe account” to protect your funds. That phrase alone is a clear sign of a scam.

Another common tactic is emotional pressure. The caller may sound helpful at first, then slowly become firm or threatening. They might say the problem will get worse if you delay, or that the call is being “recorded for investigation.” This is meant to scare you into quick action.

If you receive a call like this, the safest move is also the simplest: hang up. Do not argue. Do not explain. Then, if you are worried, call your bank using the official number printed on the back of your card or listed on the bank’s website. Never trust the number the caller gives you.

Scammers succeed not because Malaysians are careless, but because they exploit trust and fear. Anyone can be caught on a bad day — tired, busy, or distracted. The key defence is slowing down and remembering one basic rule: if a call makes you panic and asks for secret information, it is not from the bank.

In today’s world, protecting your money starts with protecting your calm.

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Farizal Kamal is a former banker and paralegal with experience in dispute and fraud resolution. He writes on issues related to finance, digital behaviour, and everyday consumer awareness.