Malaysians Need to Beware of This Syndicate Posing as LHDN to Scam Their Money

Heads up, taxpayers! There’s a pretty elaborate scam going around now!

The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) has recently revealed that there is a syndicate using their logo and name in order to scam Malaysian taxpayers into giving them money.

In a recent statement released by LHDN, they have explained that the syndicate is using a variety of methods to scam people like sending fake e-mails informing them that they have an overdue tax amount that needs to be refunded.

These fake e-mails also instruct recipients to disclose their bank details in order for them to make ‘transactions’.

Source: Malay Mail

“LHDN has never sent out e-mails to taxpayers asking them to reveal their bank account numbers. This is because bank account information is obtained through a declaration by taxpayers when they complete the Income Tax Return Form each year,” the statement reads, according to Sinar Harian.

“Aside from that, refunds of overpaid income tax are usually processed based on correct information and will be immediately credited by LHDN to the taxpayers’ bank accounts through Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT), through Tax Refund Vouchers (BBBC), crossed cheques, or Telegraphic Transfers (for those who have overseas accounts).”

The syndicate has also reportedly been sending fake Outstanding Tax Claim Letters to a number of taxpayers here.

LHDN stated that they will be sending out reminder letters to taxpayers with outstanding taxes so they could settle the amount, but they have to make sure that the letter is in fact genuine and not from the syndicate.

If you receive such a letter, you can confirm its authenticity by calling the Hasil Careline at 1-800-88-5436 or the Hasil Recovery Call Centre Hotline at 1-800-88-4726. You can also contact the LHDN branch’s phone number printed at the top of the letter. 

Source: The Star

The statement also warned that people from this syndicate have pretended to be LHDN officers to visit taxpayers’ residences and force them to pay their ‘overdue taxes’.

“LHDN has never had officers visit taxpayers in person in order to collect tax payments in cash.”

“We only visit taxpayers’ homes during periodic operations like our KUTiP Operation. We usually collect overdue taxes via cheque or bank drafts under the name of LHDN or LHDN Malaysia’s Head Director,” the statement read.

Source: The Star

They advised taxpayers who do receive a visit from suspicious officers to examine their Identity Cards (IC) and record their details. Taxpayers were also advised to ask the officers for an explanation for their visit and to record their contact numbers before calling the Hasil Careline to confirm the officers’ identities.

“Taxpayers are advised to always be careful and to contact LHDN if they have any concerns related to their income taxes,” the statement read. 

So, remember to contact LHDN especially if you come across a suspicious e-mail, letter or officer. Stay vigilant, guys!

Also read: Malaysians are Concerned About the New Digital Tax, Here’s What You Should Know