Forgery
Updated 2026-09-29
Forgery is making a false document, or materially altering a genuine one, with intent to deceive or to cause someone to act on it as if it were authentic. It is a criminal offence under the Penal Code in Malaysia.
In scam cases, forgery can appear in fake bank transfer receipts, altered screenshots of a trading dashboard, fabricated official letters, or counterfeit identification used to open bank or exchange accounts used to move stolen funds.
A forged document loses its legal effect once identified as such, and using one can add further criminal exposure for the person who created or knowingly relied on it.
When it matters
If a scam involved fake documents, such as a fabricated official letter or altered receipt, keeping the original and noting where it came from helps a police report and any later claim.
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