Malaysia: ATM can’t be used, can you help?’ — two Chinese women arrested in Malaysia for street-level scam.

Police detained two Chinese nationals in Malaysia following reports of a cash-request scam targeting passersby. The suspects allegedly approached victims claiming their ATM cards were not working and asked for cash assistance, promising to transfer the money later. No transfer ever comes.

This is a social-engineering scam, relying on politeness, urgency, and public pressure rather than force.

How the scam works (core tactic)

• Scammer approaches in malls, ATM areas, or busy streets
• Claims ATM card is blocked / foreign card doesn’t work
• Asks for small to medium cash amount
• Shows fake banking apps, screenshots, or makes a “transfer” gesture
• Victim later discovers no money was sent

The amounts are usually kept modest to reduce suspicion and encourage compliance.

Related tactics often used by the same networks

• Fake bank transfer proof — screenshots or staged apps
• Language barrier sympathy — “I’m a foreigner, I’m stuck”
• Pair distraction — one talks, the other watches or pressures
• ATM proximity — choosing locations where money is already being withdrawn
• Rotation — moving cities once reports surface

Public reminder

If someone says their ATM cannot be used and asks for cash:
• Decline politely
• Do not scan QR codes or accept “proof” on a phone
• Direct them to a bank counter or police station
• Report repeated attempts to authorities

Scams evolve, but the principle is constant: legitimate financial problems are handled by banks, not strangers.