Macau scam
Updated 2026-09-29
A Macau scam is a phone or video call impersonation scam, named after an early pattern linked to syndicates operating from Macau. The caller poses as a police officer, bank staff, courier, or government agency and claims you are involved in a crime such as money laundering or an illegal parcel.
The caller creates urgency and secrecy, often instructing you not to tell family members. You may be asked to move money to a ‘safe account’ for verification, hand over your banking details, or install a remote access app on your phone.
No genuine police officer, bank, or government agency asks you to transfer money to prove your innocence or to install remote software during a call. If this happens, hang up and verify independently through an official number.
When it matters
Recognising this pattern before any transfer is made is the most effective protection. If money has already moved, contact your bank and call 997 immediately, then read about recovery routes after a scam.
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