Property Scam Awareness

Warning signs

• A price far below similar homes nearby. Ask why.
• Pressure to pay now, for example “another buyer is waiting”.
• Payment before viewing, especially to reserve a rental you have not seen.
• Payment to a personal account. Purchase money goes to your lawyer’s client account or an account named in the signed agreement.
• An owner who is “abroad” and cannot show the property, so you must pay first.
• Copied listings: the same photos under different names, prices or places.
• Last-minute change of bank details by email or message. Confirm by phone on a number you found yourself.
• No registration number. Only a registered estate agent may carry on estate agency business. See choosing an agent.
• Promises of a visa or guaranteed returns tied to a property.

How to protect yourself

1. Check the account or phone number. The police’s Semak Mule service lets anyone check bank accounts and phone numbers that have been used in commercial crime cases. Source: Royal Malaysia Police notice on Semak Mule; service at semakmule.rmp.gov.my. Last checked 26 Sep 2026.
2. Check the agent. Use the Board’s register; see our agent guide.
3. Check the property. Ask your own lawyer to search the title. The registered owner should match the seller or landlord.
4. Check the developer. A housing developer must hold a developer licence and an Advertising and Sales Permit. Source: National Housing Department (KPKT). Last checked 26 Sep 2026.
5. Check lenders and investment schemes against Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Consumer Alert List. Source: BNM Financial Consumer Alert List. Last checked 26 Sep 2026.
6. Keep records of messages, receipts and listing screenshots.
7. Slow down. A real property will still be there in a few days.

If you think you have been scammed

1. Act fast. Call your bank, or the National Scam Response Centre on 997, which the police say operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. Source: Royal Malaysia Police, Scam Alert (notice of 1 Mar 2026). Last checked 26 Sep 2026.
2. Make a police report with your records.
3. Tell us at info@homehuntermalaysia.com so we can review the listing or profile.
4. If a registered agent is involved, you can complain to the Board. Source: Board e-complaint. Last checked 26 Sep 2026.
5. For a dispute with a housing developer over a new home, there is a Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims. Source: Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966, section 16B, Laws of Malaysia reprint. Last checked 26 Sep 2026.

Home Hunter Malaysia checks the registration of agents who list here, but we do not hold money, take part in transactions, or guarantee any listing.

Sources

• Royal Malaysia Police (CCID), Semak Mule. Checked 26 Sep 2026.
• Royal Malaysia Police, Scam Alert. Checked 26 Sep 2026.
• Bank Negara Malaysia, Financial Consumer Alert List. Checked 26 Sep 2026.
• National Housing Department (KPKT). Checked 26 Sep 2026.
• Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers. Checked 26 Sep 2026.
• Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966. Checked 26 Sep 2026.