An increasing number of Americans have been victims of scams originating in Malaysia. Con artists contact Americans through the internet, including dating web sites.
These con artists usually pose as American citizens who have unexpectedly experienced a medical, legal, financial or other type of emergency in Malaysia that requires immediate financial assistance. Co-conspirators may pose as Malaysian lawyers or medical professionals to verify the story and the supposed urgent need for cash. Some victims have lost tens of thousands of dollars from such scams. Visit here for more information on frequent scam techniques.
We strongly urge American citizens to be very cautious about sending money to people who claim to be Americans in trouble in Malaysia. There is very little to be done after the fact to recover your money. If you have been contacted in a way that fits the above pattern, or you believe someone is trying to scam you in another way, send as many details as you can to us atKLACS@state.gov BEFORE you send any money. We will try to determine whether the information you have received is legitimate.
If you are a U.S. citizen, believe you have been a victim of a scam, and have lost money to someone in Malaysia then please complete this fraud reportand send to KLFraudReports@state.gov. U.S. Embassy is not involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes in Malaysia but with your permission the report may be forwarded to Malaysian authorities.