Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia caution public against internet investment schemes - Advise public to invest with licensed parties only

The Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia today cautioned members of the public to be on guard against investment scams promoted on the Internet.

Some companies and websites offering internet investment schemes are not licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia to accept deposits. They are also not licensed by the Securities Commission to provide investment advice that is related to securities or futures activities or carry out fund management activities in Malaysia. Such activities often come in the guise of attractive investment returns or opportunities.

Investors can ascertain the licensing status of financial institutions engaged in deposit-taking activity regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia or individuals and companies engaged in investment activity regulated by the Securities Commission at their websites www.bnm.gov.my and www.sc.com.my respectively.

Members of the public are reminded that they should only place deposits and invest with parties licensed by the authorities so that they are accorded the protection under the banking and securities laws. Unlicensed operators may disappear overnight leaving investors without the ability to recover their investments or seek redress against any persons connected with the scheme.

It is important for the public to be alert and responsible in making investment decisions as the internet offers easy access for unscrupulous persons to lure unsuspecting victims to part with their monies. Investors are urged to verify the legitimacy of schemes which offer too-good-to-be-true returns or investment opportunities involving above-market rates of return and zero to low risk. They must obtain all relevant information before parting with their money over the internet.

When in doubt, the public should check with Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission or other relevant authorities on the licensing status of the local and foreign company before depositing their money or making any investment decision.

Members of the public are also advised to alert the authorities immediately if they come across any suspicious websites, e-mails or any information on the Internet relating to investment advice and services and deposit taking activities. They can contact the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia at:

Complaints Department, Securities Commission
Tel: 03-6204 8999 / 03-6204 8777
Fax: 03-6204 8991
E-mail: [email protected]

Bank Negara Malaysia
Tel: 03-2691 0824 / 2692 6482 / 2698 2810 / 2694 2143
Fax: 03-2698 7467
E-mail: [email protected]

Jointly issued by
Bank Negara Malaysia and Securities Commission
19 April 2007