Deepfakes and payment fraud
A familiar voice or face on a call is no longer proof. Agree a call-back rule for any payment request today.
Real cases:
- In Johor (Sept 2026) a company administrator transferred RM110,000 after a caller posing as her director told her to make payments. Police were investigating whether his voice was a deepfake.
- In Hong Kong (2024) an Arup employee paid out about US$25 million after a video call with deepfaked senior colleagues.
- In October 2026 Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission warned of deepfake videos of their own senior officers promoting investments.
The team rule:
- No payment or bank-detail change on the strength of a call, voice note, video or WhatsApp alone.
- Call back on a number you already have, or confirm in person.
- Use a code word for urgent requests from the CEO or CFO.
- Two people approve anything above a set amount.
If it happens: call the National Scam Response Centre on 997 immediately, then your bank.
Sources
- 'Director' dupes admin into transferring RM110,000 New Straits Times, 9 Sep 2026
- Arup revealed as victim of $25 million deepfake scam CNN, 16 May 2024
- BNM, Securities Commission caution public over deepfake investment scams Malay Mail (Bernama), 14 Oct 2026
Learn it hands on, with us.
Free AI build nights in Kuala Lumpur. Bring one real problem and leave with a working tool.