KUALA LUMPUR: A syndicate has been offering up to RM7,000 per month to individuals desperate for quick and each money to 'rent' out their bank cards and bank accounts.
Using the WhatsApp and TikTok platforms, the syndicate sends out random advertisements to find individuals willing to be recruited as account mules. The accounts are then used for fraudulent activities.
A Harian Metro reporter who received the offer via WhatsApp found that the rental prices offered by the syndicate started at RM3,000 per month for one account.
The 'rental' fee will be paid on a monthly basis, and the syndicate also promised to 'settle' any issues with any parties involved.
The syndicate also offers a high rate of up to RM50,000 per month to allow account owners to apply for loans from the bank.
Attempts to contact the syndicate failed as they did not respond to further questions posed by the reporter.
The reporter also met a victim who rented out his bank account to the bank account rental syndicate.
The victim, known only as Farouk, 29, said he rented out his account and bank card to the syndicate after being introduced by a friend.
"At first, my friend asked how many bank accounts I had, and I replied with two accounts. From there, he suggested that one of them be rented out.
"I then contacted the number my friend gave me and I was offered RM3,000 per month to 'rent' out my bank account.
"At that time, I did not think that the account would be used for fraudulent activities and gambling.
"I handed over my bank card to the syndicate through a ride-hailing service to the requested address," he said when interviewed.
He said that he only received payment from the syndicate in the first month, and two weeks later, he was contacted by the police for questioning related to fraudulent activities.
"I was then detained by the authorities and charged under Section 424 of the Penal Code before being fined RM4,000 by the court.
"Now, one can become a 'criminal' just by renting out a bank account to an unknown person," he said.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director, Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said many individuals become victims because they fail to think through their actions.
"Many become victims because they fail to think through the consequences of their actions.
"For example, a bank account is very personal and should not be lent to anyone for any purpose," he said when contacted.
He also advised the public to ignore offers and advertisements promoted by syndicates to trap victims.
"I advise anyone who receives such offers to ignore them because, as the saying goes, 'penny wise, pound foolish'.
