Tag Archives: Payment

eMADANI : How To Get Free RM100 eWallet Credit!

Ten million Malaysian citizens will soon receive a special RM100 eWallet credit through the eMADANI programme! Here is what you need to know!

 

eMADANI : 10 Million Malaysian Citizens To Get Free RM100!

On 27 July 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Malaysian government will give a special, one-off RM100 eWallet credit.

On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, the government announced that the eMADANI programme will benefit some 10 million Malaysian citizens and 2 million businesses, with a total budget of RM 1 billion.

The eMADANI programme is a new initiative that is designed to stimulate the micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS), as well as promote cashless payments, and alleviate inflationary pressures on the rakyat.

Here is what you need to know about the eMADANI programme, and the one-off RM100 eWallet credit…

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eMADANI : How To Get Free RM100 eWallet Credit!

Here is what you need to know about the eMADANI programme, and how to get the free RM100 eWallet credit:

Who Qualifies For eMADANI RM100 Free Credit?

The eMADANI programme, and the free RM100 eWallet credit, is open to Malaysian citizens who are 21 years and older as of 1 January 2023; and have either:

However, those who received the eBeliaRahmah contribution earlier will not qualify for the eMADANI programme, as they have already received eWallet cash to promote the use of cashless payments amongst the youth.

The government estimates that 10 million Malaysians will qualify for the eMADANI free RM100 eWallet credit.

When Can You Redeem The RM100 eWallet Credit?

Those who qualify for the RM100 eWallet credit will be able to redeem it through selected eWallets (see below) from 8 AM on 4 December 2023 until 11:59 PM on 20 February 2024.

Which eWallets Do You Need?

You will need one of these four eWallets to receive the free RM100 credit through the eMADANI programme:

  • MAE
  • Setel
  • ShopeePay, and
  • Touch ‘n Go eWallet

Please note that these four eWallet providers will also be offering additional incentives in the form of vouchers, cashbacks, discounts, reward points, and coins. So be sure to “shop around” for the best offers, before deciding on which eWallet to use!

Recommended : Watch Out For TNG eWallet SMS Phishing Scam!

How Do You Get The Free RM100 eWallet Credit?

To obtain the free RM100 eWallet credit, follow these steps:

  1. Download the eWallet of your choice (from the list of four above) from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or HUAWEI AppGallery.
  2. If you have not registered and verified your eWallet account, please do so first.
  3. In the eWallet of your choice, tap on the eMADANI redemption link.
  4. Key in the required information in the eMADANI redemption page, and tap on the Send button.
  5. You will be informed if your application is successful.

If successful, the RM100 will be credited into the eWallet, and you can use the money immediately.

Please note that you can only redeem the RM100 eWallet credit from one eWallet provider.

Where Can You Spend The RM100?

The RM100 eWallet credit must be spent physically in retail stores and businesses using the the eWallet of your choice, except:

  • peer-to-peer transfers
  • cash redemptions
  • bill payments through the eWallet
  • government fee payments through the eWallet
  • telco postpaid payments and prepaid reloads through the eWallet
  • game payments through the eWallet
  • parking and toll payments
  • investment activities through the eWallet
  • e-commerce or online transactions

When Must You Spend The RM100?

Please note that the RM100 eWallet credit must be spent by 11:59 PM on 29 February 2024.

From 1 March 2024 onwards, any unspent eMADANI credit will automatically expire, and be removed from the eWallet.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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PayNow PDF Malware Scam : What You Need To Know!

Is there a new malware scam involving a PayNow PDF?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WhatsApp Block Button Is A Scam!

People are sharing this warning about a new malware scam involving a PayNow PDF. Take a look!

I just received below the latest and new scams Modus Operandi from my Uncle. Forward to warn and share.
======================

The scammers have changed their modus operandi. They don’t ask you to download the app.
My neighbour told me yesterday that her sister (a cancer patient) wanted a part-time helper to clean her house. Hence, she went to Facebook. I called the number and made the request. The advertiser asked whether she had a Paynow, and she said that she had. He directed her to make the partial payment, and he will send the invoice to confirm. (Note: He did not ask her to download an app, as people are getting alerts). When she received the invoice in the PDF format, she did not suspect any foul play and clicked it. The invoice showed the amount paid and the balance to be paid. After that, she went to sleep. The next morning, her phone could not be switched on.
She used her laptop to check her DBS bank account. Her $20K was gone, and her two fixed deposits of $25K, which had not reached the maturity date, were also gone—the total loss was $ 70K.
When she went to the bank and asked why her fixed deposit was also gone, the receptionist told her that digital banking allows you to transfer the amount back to your account to facilitate withdrawals without going to the bank.
Police told her the malware was embedded in the PDF document.
So folks, beware that the scammers are always changing their modus operandi to con your money $$$! 😡😡😡

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

No Evidence There Is Any PayNow PDF Scam!

This is likely another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of PayNow PDF Scam

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was ever scammed by a PayNow PDF invoice.

There has been no actual news report of such a case, never mind multiple cases involving malicious PayNow PDF documents.

Frankly, I don’t know of any PDF malware that can shut down a phone, and transfer money from a bank account, including liquidating fixed deposits!

Fact #2 : PDF Malware Generally Target Computers

PDF documents can contain malware, but malicious PDFs generally target Windows computers. In fact, many aren’t actual PDF documents, but are instead executable files masquerading as PDF files – invoice.pdf.exe, for example.

Malicious PDF documents or executables targeted at Windows computers won’t work on smartphones. The malicious PDF must not only be specifically designed to target smartphones, it must target the right operating system – iOS or Android. A malicious PDF targeting Android won’t work on an Apple iPhone, for instance.

On top of that, many PDF malware actually exploit vulnerabilities in a specific PDF reader – most commonly, the industry-standard Adobe Acrobat Reader. Most smartphones do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, and instead rely on a variety of PDF readers like Samsung Note, OneDrive, Google Drive, Kindle, etc.

Embedded PDF malware that target vulnerabilities in the Adobe Acrobat Reader won’t work with other PDF readers. That’s probably why it’s rare to see PDF malware that target smartphones.

Recommended : Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Fact #3 : PayNow Scams So Far Involve Phishing

Singapore reported 477 cases of PayNow scams in 2021, with 133 more cases in 2022. However, they were not due to PDF malware. Rather, their victims were deceived into giving scammers their digital banking credentials.

In other words, PayNow scams have so far involved phishing attacks, in which victims are tricked into logging into fake websites, or giving up their Internet banking login details by phone.

In one of these scams, victims received phone calls from people pretending to be bank employees. The callers would ask for the victims’ personal details, such as their Internet banking usernames and passwords, under the pretext that the bank needed them to verify transactions in their accounts.

Fact #4 : Singapore Police Warned About Android Malware

It seems likely that the viral warning is based on a misunderstanding of a Singapore Police Force warning about Android malware withdrawing money through PayNow.

Issued on 17 June 2023, the Singaporean police warned that scammers were tricking victims into installing an Android Package Kit (APK) file through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Once installed, the malware allows the scammers to remotely access the victims’ devices, and steal their passwords.

The victims are then directed to fake websites that mimic banks like DBS to key in their banking credentials. The login information obtained through this phishing attack then allows the scammers to withdraw their victims’ money through PayNow.

To be clear – this PayNow scam does NOT involve any PDF. It requires the victim to install an APK file – to gain access of your 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) device, and provide bank login information through a fake (phishing) website.

This allows the scammers to log into your bank account using the login info you provided, and authenticate all transfers using your mobile phone.

Recommended : Nurse Lost RM380K After Pressing Instagram ‘Like’ Button?!

Fact #5 : Here Are Some Common Cybersecurity Tips

Here are some simple cybersecurity tips to help you avoid getting scammed online:

  • Never install APK files (for Android) from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Never sideload IPA files (for Apple iOS) from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Always check the entire filename, including its file extension:
    – PDF documents should end with .pdf, and not .pdf.apk or .pdf.ipa or .pdf.exe.
    – Word documents should end with .doc or .docx, and not .doc.apk or .doc.ipa or .doc.exe.
  • Never click on any link to go to any bank website. Always type in the link yourself into a web browser, or better still – use the official app issued by the bank.
  • Never give your bank login details to any person, even if they claim to be a police officer, a bank officer, or even a cybersecurity expert!
  • Never give your 2FA authentication code / TAC or OTP number to any person, even if they claim to be a police officer, a bank officer, or even a cybersecurity expert!

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Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Maybank Online + Card Services Finally Up + Running!

Maybank just announced that all of its online, mobile and card services are up and running after going offline earlier today! Here is what you need to know…

 

Maybank Online + Card Services Finally Up + Running!

At 3:46 PM on 7 August 2023, Maybank sent out an alert that all of its online, mobile and card services are temporarily unavailable

  • Maybank2U web banking services
  • M2U and MAE mobile banking apps
  • debit and credit card usage

The only good news is that ATM and counter services appear to be unaffected by this downtime.

This announcement came hours after people started complaining that they could not log into the Maybank website.

As of 4 PM, none of Maybank’s online or mobile services are working. Neither will you be able to use your Maybank debit or credit card to make payments.

Update @ 4:30 PM : Maybank just announced that it restored Maybank2U web, the MAE app, and both debit card and credit card services!

Recommended : Maybank FB Ads Scam : How To Recover Your Money?!

 

Earlier : Maybank Online + Card Services All Down!

The Maybank downtime appeared to occur at around 1 PM or so, with Maybank initially asking users to switch to the MAE mobile app:

Good day and any inconvenience is much regretted. Based on our checking, the MAE app is operating fine at the moment.uled maintenance to improve your experience and will be back up shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience.

However, some Maybank users soon pointed out that their MAE app wasn’t working either!

Be Right Back!

We’re experiencing communication error. Please try again later.

That’s when Maybank support staff claimed that they were experiencing “intermittent slowness” on their MAE app and Maybank2U web platforms:

Kindly be informed that we are experiencing an intermittent slowness on our MAE App & M2U web platforms.
We are working to resolve the matter as soon as possible. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your patience and continuous support.

It was only about two hours later that Maybank finally admitted that all of its mobile and online banking services were down, as well as its debit and credit card services.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Anwar Ibrahim Announces Financial Aid For Malaysians!

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just announced a slew of financial aid to help Malaysians deal with inflation this year!

 

Anwar Ibrahim Announces Financial Aid For Malaysians!

On Thursday, 27 July 2023, Malaysia Prime Minister announced a slew of financial aid during the launch of Ekonomi Madani: Memperkasa Rakyat (Madani Economy: Empowering the People) in Kuala Lumpur.

Here is a summary of the financial aid Anwar Ibrahim announced to help Malaysians deal with inflationary pressures this year.

Adults Earning Less Than RM100K To Get RM100

The Malaysian government will give RM100 e-Tunai cash incentive to all Malaysian citizens aged 21 years and above, earning RM100,000 or less in annual wages.

This cash incentive will be distributed via e-wallet, based on the success and impact of the e-Belia Rahman e-wallet credit rollout programme in the past. This incentive is also expected to spur digital payments, and the economy.

The government estimates that this cash incentive will benefit 10 million citizens in the B40 and M40 categories, and cost the treasury about RM1 billion (about US$ 220.9 million).

The estimated number of eligible recipients is expected to be around 10 million Rakyat comprising those of the B40 and M40 with allocations of around a billion ringgit.

Recommended : Bantuan Tunai Rakyat Malaysia 2023 Scam Alert!

Civil Servants To Get RM300

Civil servants at Grade 56 and below will receive RM300 in special assistance aid within the next two weeks.

This special assistance is expected to benefit 1.3 million civil servants, while they wait for the adjustment of their salaries and allowances.

Government Pensioners To Get RM200

Government pensioners will receive RM200 in special assistance aid within the next two weeks. This special assistance is expected to benefit over a million pensioners.

Civil Servant Salaries To Be Reviewed

The Malaysian government will review the salaries of civil services, and adjust them according to the nation’s financial ability.

Minimum Wage To Be Reviewed

The Malaysian government will review the minimum wage, and explore the progressive wage model to reduce reliance on foreign workers.

120% Financing For Homes <RM300K

The Malaysian government will enhance the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (HCGS) provided by the Housing Credit Guarantee Company Berhad (SJKP).

The SJKP will now provide housing loans of up to 120% of the house’s value, for houses worth up to RM300,000. This will allow purchasers to cover the legal cost of the purchase, as well as renovations and furnishing their home.

The government will guarantee the scheme with a fund of RM5 billion (about US$1.1 billion).

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Maybank ATM Card: How to disable Debit Card feature!

Find out how to disable the Debit Card feature of your Maybank ATM card, and why you should do that right away!

 

Maybank ATM Card Is Also Visa payWave Debit Card

Many Maybank customers may not know this, but your ATM card is not just an ATM card – it doubles as a Visa payWave debit card as well.

Since Maybank introduced its first combined ATM + Visa Debit card in March 2008, it has progressively migrated all existing ATM cards to the new combined card.

Today, all Maybank ATM cards are effectively Visa payWave debit cards, even though we may not have applied for the debit card or payWave functions.

Recommended : How To Pay PDRM Traffic Summons Using Maybank ATM!

 

Maybank ATM Card : Why You Should Disable Debit Card Feature!

Banks are promoting the use of debit cards, because they charge an interchange fee for every debit card transaction. That is why banks are “forcing” these combined ATM + debit card onto customers.

However, debit cards only offer minimal fraud protection (if at all), as payments are considered to be directly withdrawn from your bank account. That is why personal finance experts always recommend using a credit card, instead of a debit card.

Even worse, these debit cards often include contactless payment technologies like Visa payWave or Mastercard contactless. This allows anyone to directly withdraw money from your account without even requiring the PIN number!

Transaction
Amount
Required Action
Above RM250 Tap and use PIN to approve
RM250 and below Just tap. No PIN required.

Now, to be clear, the debit card and payWave feature will only be enabled after you perform at least one (1) successful PIN transaction at any point-of-sales terminal. But once that is done – both debit card and payWave features will remain activated.

This is one of the many reasons why money-savvy people do not use debit cards at all. It’s not only much safer to use credit cards, they also help build your credit rating and some benefits like cash back rebates, points, etc. There literally isn’t any benefit to using debit cards.

Unfortunately, many banks aren’t giving you the option of opting out. You may not want one, but you may not have a choice. The Maybank ATM card, for example, is a Visa payWave debit card which you cannot opt-out of. You cannot ask for a pure ATM card, and neither will Maybank disable the debit card or payWave features. I know. I asked.

Recommended : Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

 

Maybank ATM Card : How To Disable Debit Card + payWave!

To be clear – there is no way to actually disable the debit card or payWave functionality of your Maybank ATM card. But you can effectively disable both features by setting the debit card purchase limit to zero.

In this guide, I will show you how to do that using your Maybank2U online account, or at the Maybank ATM.

Maybank2U Online Account

Step 1 : Log into your Maybank2U account

Step 2 : On the right corner of the Maybank2U screen, click on the Settings option.

Step 3 : Click on the Cards tab, and it should show you the Manage Debit Cards section by default.

As you can see, by default, the Maybank ATM-debit card has a purchase limit of RM1,000 per transaction.

Step 4 : Click on the Edit icon, and you will be able to change the Purchase Limit, from RM0 all the way to RM10,000.

Step 5 : Select RM0.00 from the drop-down list, and the click the SAVE button.

Step 6 : Look for this yellow banner at the bottom of the screen, and click the REQUEST button to request the 6-digit SMS TAC on your registered mobile number.

Step 7 : Once you receive the 6-digit SMS TAC, key it into the box, and click on the CONFIRM button.

If you keyed in the correct SMS TAC, you should see this notice telling you that your new purchase limit has been set.

Now that you have successfully reduced your Purchase Limit to RM0.00, it doesn’t matter that Maybank refuses to disable the debit card or payWave function. They both just won’t be able to transfer any money from your account!

Maybank2U Online Account

Step 1 : Insert your ATM card and key in your PIN number.

Step 2 : Select Other Transaction in the main menu.

Step 3 : Select the  Change Limit / Language / Maybank One option.

Step 4 : Select the Purchase Limit option.

Step 5 : Select No Purchase to prevent the card from being used to make any purchases.

Alternatively, you can select Preferred Limit. Then you need to key in RM 0.00, and then select Yes to confirm that decision.

After you set No Purchase or a Preferred Limit of RM0.00, the debit card and payWave functionality of your Maybank ATM card is effectively disabled.

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can Restaurant Menu QR Code Hack Your Phone?!

Did the FBI just warn people to avoid using the restaurant menu QR code, because it can hack your phone?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : FBI Says Restaurant QR Code Can Hack Your Phone!

People are sharing a Daily Mail article, or screenshots of it, which claims that the FBI just warned people not to use any restaurant menu QR code because it can allow hackers to steal your data!

Here is an excerpt from the Daily Mail article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Why you should ALWAYS ask for a physical menu: FBI warns hackers are planting fake QR CODES in restaurants that steal your data when you click the link

  •  Scammers are making fake QR codes to place on top of real ones 
  • This is letting them access smartphones and steal personal data

QR codes have become the new default for accessing restaurant menus across the US post-Covid — but scammers are seizing upon the new practice.

The FBI warns thieves are creating fake QR codes and planting them at eateries, retail shops and even parking meters.

Instead of taking you to an online menu or checkout, the links instantly download malware onto your device, stealing your location and personal information

The FBI has urged consumers to look out for typos or misplaced letters in URLs accessed through QR codes and ask restaurants for a physical menu.

Recommended : MSI Users At Risk Of Rogue BIOS / Firmware Updates!

 

Truth : FBI Did Not Say Restaurant QR Code Can Hack Your Phone!

This appears to be a “misunderstanding” of an actual FBI warning about QR codes. Here is what you need to know about the risks of scanning a QR code for a restaurant menu.

Fact #1 : FBI Issued QR Code Warning In January 2022

I could find no reference to a recent QR code warning by the FBI, and oddly enough, The Daily Mail did not provide a source or link to the FBI warning its article was referring to.

The FBI only released one public service announcement (PSA) about QR codes, and that was Alert Number 1-011822-PSA which was released on January 18, 2022.

If that was the source for the Daily Mail article, then it’s more than a year old, and not recent as the article appears to suggest.

Fact #2 : FBI Warned About General QR Code Risk

The FBI advisory was a general warning about the risks of tampered QR codes. Specifically, it warned about cybercriminals tampering with both digital and physical QR codes.

The FBI is issuing this announcement to raise awareness of malicious Quick Response (QR) codes. Cybercriminals are tampering with QR codes to redirect victims to malicious sites that steal login and financial information.

Cybercriminals tamper with both digital and physical QR codes to replace legitimate codes with malicious codes. A victim scans what they think to be a legitimate code but the tampered code directs victims to a malicious site…

Fact #3 : FBI Advisory Did Not Mention Restaurant / Menu

Interestingly, the entire FBI advisory did not once mention restaurants or menus, and that makes a lot of sense.

It is odd to focus on the risk of using QR codes for online menus in restaurants, when they are used in so many other ways today – from making mobile payments, as mobile tickets, login tokens, etc.

Any security risk involving restaurant menu QR codes would also apply to QR codes used for other purposes. So it really doesn’t make sense for the FBI to “pick on” restaurant menu QR codes.

Recommended : Can Approve New Participant block WhatsApp hackers?!

Fact #4 : QR Code Is Not Malicious In Nature

QR code (which is short for Quick Response code) is not nefarious or malicious in nature. The FB advisory specifically pointed that out – “QR codes are not malicious in nature“.

The QR code is merely a type of two dimensional barcode that was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company, Denso Wave, to track automotive parts. It has since been adopted for other purposes because it is more efficient and can support more than just numbers. For example, Version 40 QR code can contain up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 characters.

Ultimately, a QR code is nothing more than a series of numbers or characters – data which can be used for a variety of purposes, including providing a link to an online restaurant menu.

Fact #5 : QR Code Can Be Tampered With

It is true that QR codes can be tampered with. In fact, the FBI advisory was issued after Texas police departments discovered fraudulent QR code stickers on parking meters in San Antonio and Austin. Drivers who scanned those fake QR codes were taken to a scam website. instead of the real payment website.

Hence, the FBI issued that warning to remind people to check the URL link to make sure that it is the intended website, and not a phishing page with a similar link. For example, the fake website may use www.quikpay.com when the real website is www.quickpay.com.

To completely avoid this risk, avoid using QR code to access a payment website. Always go directly to the payment website on your smartphone’s web browser by keying in the link yourself. Genuine payment labels with a QR code will often include a direct URL link for you to use as a safer alternative.

Recommended : How To Block Facebook Ads + Pay Scammers!

Fact #6 : Restaurant Menu QR Code Is Low Risk

While scammers can place fraudulent QR codes over genuine ones at restaurants, bars, and other eateries, this is a very unlikely attack vector.

That’s because restaurants often use QR codes to redirect you to an online system to order food and drinks for your table. Imagine if you scan a fraudulent QR code and are asked to key in your credit card details. That would be absurd, and you would surely complain to the waiter since you haven’t even ordered your food!

In most cases, you are not expected to pay at the table using QR code. You either pay using cash / credit card / mobile payment using QR code at the payment counter. Even if that QR code is compromised, the cashier would notice it immediately as any payment made using that QR code would not reflect in the restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) system.

And payment only occurs after dining – a fraudulent QR code that leads you to a fake website won’t allow you to actually order anything, since it’s not connected to the real restaurant and its ordering system. That’s why this attack vector is highly improbable.

In any case, many restaurants now generate temporary QR codes on disposable paper stubs to avoid this risk. The QR code is only valid for your dining session. The next person to dine at the same table will receive a different QR code.

Fact #7 : QR Code Can Potentially Inject Malware

It is possible for QR code to inject malware into the smartphone that you are using to scan. In fact, there are apps like QRGen that allow scammers / hackers to easily generate malicious QR codes. However, it isn’t quite as simple as the article makes it out to be.

For one thing – malware and exploits are limited to specific operating systems or phone models. For example, an Android exploit / malware won’t work on iPhones. Or an exploit / malware that makes use of an Android 11 vulnerability won’t work on newer / updated Android smartphones since they would have patched the exploit.

Second – any malware will require considerable amounts of code to load. The scammer / hacker will have to use an enormous QR code like the version 40 example below, or it will need to convince you to download and install the malware package itself.

Recommended : Must You Disable Facebook Auto-Fill To Block Scams?!

Genuine restaurant menu QR codes are simple – like the version 1 / version 10 examples above, because they only serve a link to their online menu / ordering system. If you see a large and complex QR code like the version 40 example, avoid scanning it, and ask the restaurant staff to verify its authenticity.

Restaurant menu QR codes would also never ask you to download or install anything. They only serve to load a link to an online menu / ordering system, so if you are asked to download or install anything, do NOT proceed, and notify the restaurant.

These tips also apply to other businesses that use QR codes to show you a menu, discounts, offers, information, etc.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Cybersecurity | MoneyTech ARP

 

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Touch ‘n Go eWallet, PayDirect + RFID Are Okay Now!

Touch ‘n Go eWallet, PayDirect + RFID services have just been restored, after going down for most of the day!

 

Touch ‘n Go eWallet, PayDirect + RFID Went Down!

Touch ‘n Go eWallet, PayDirect and RFID services went down for most of the day today. Many users were logged out of the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app, and had difficulty logging back in. They often received error messages like:

Sorry, something wrong happened there! But don’t sweat it, we’re doing our best to fix this for you. Please try again.

Sorry, but heavy traffic is causing delays in processing your request. Don’t fret, we’re fixing this. Hold tight & try again later.

Recommended : TNG RFID Bar Code Scanning Scam Debunked!

Even when users could log in, they reported that their ewallet balance were either wiped out, or incorrect. Some even reported that their ewallet balance kept changing randomly!

Many users were also unable to make payments, or perform NFC card reloads. PayDirect payments also is not working.

Even worse, Touch ‘n Go eWallet outage this time has cut off access to TNF  RFID, with highway users reporting long queues at the RFID lanes. The RFID lanes at the SPRINT Expressway, Penchala Link and Kerinchi Link have consequently been closed down.

The only way for motorists to get through the tolls is to use their Touch ‘n Go card. So please make sure you reload your TNG card before using the highways!

 

Touch ‘n Go Finally Solves eWallet, PayDirect + RFID Problems!

Hours after users started complaining, the Touch ‘n Go eWallet team finally responded, saying that they are working on a fix.

All they can tell their users is that if they have sufficient balance in their eWallet, they can still pay for tolls and parking via PayDirect and RFID.

Dear valued users,

We are currently facing technical issues but be rest assured, we are rectifying the matter.

If you have enough balance in your Wallet, you are still able to pay for tolls and parking via PayDirect and RFID.

We apologise for the service interruption and inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your kind patience and understanding.

The Touch ‘n Go Wallet team.

But as many users have reported, that is just not possible. Both PayDirect and RFID appear to be down, which is why several highways have already closed their RFID lanes.

In addition, some users have reported that their eWallet balance is now empty, or has the wrong balance, or has insufficient balance. So they won’t be able to make payments, unless they have a physical TNG card as backup.

Recommended : Watch Out For TNG eWallet SMS Phishing Scam!

Finally, at around 3:36 PM, the Touch ‘n Go eWallet team reported that they finally restored all its services!

Touch ‘n Go eWallet and its services are up and running.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused earlier and thank you for your kind patience.

However, it looks like it will take time for all issues to be resolved. Users loading TNG eWallet after this will see a banner telling them not to worry about mysterious transactions that appear in their history, because they are just “delayed notifications”.

Got a txn you didn’t perform? Reset assured, it’s a delayed notification. Apologies for the confusion.

Several Touch ‘n Go eWallet users continue to complain that they still are unable to login, or make payments / transfers, or have wrong balances in their accounts.

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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PDRM Offers Special RM50 Fine For Traffic Offences!

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is offering a special RM50 fine for all traffic offences!

Find out how you can pay for your traffic offences for just RM50!

 

PDRM Offers Special RM50 Fine For Traffic Offences!

On 18 April 2023, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, announced that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will offer a special RM50 fine for all traffic offences committed in 2022 and earlier!

From Friday, 21 April until Sunday, 21 May 2023, you will be able to pay RM50 for each traffic summon at all police district or contingent headquarters, or online using its MyBayar Saman app or website.

This special offer applies only to traffic summonses issued in 2022 and earlier. It does not apply to traffic offences committed in 2023.

Recommended : Is There A RM300 Seat Belt Fine On PLUS Highway?!
Recommended : PDRM Offers Special RM50 Fine For Traffic Offences!
Recommended : Hari Raya 2023 : No Highway Tolls For Four Days!

 

PDRM Traffic Offences : How To Only Pay RM50

Here is what you need to know about the April-May 2023 PDRM discount for all traffic offences.

RM50 Fine Per Offence

PDRM is offering a special RM50 fine for every traffic summons issued in 2022 or earlier, from Friday, 21 April until Sunday, 21 May 2023.

Where To Pay PDRM Traffic Fines

PDRM will allow you to pay for your traffic fines at these physical venues (weekdays only) :

  • Summon Payment Counters at Police District Headquarters
  • Summon Payment Counters at Police Contingent Headquarters

Instead of queuing up at the police headquarters, you should use the online MyBayar Saman portal or app :

The PDRM launched MyBayar Saman as an alternative payment option, instead of paying over-the-counter, or using private collecting agents like MyEG.

This would also save the public money as MyBayar Saman is FREE, and does not collect service charges. They can also pay their fines at their convenience, without wasting time queuing to pay.

Alternatively, you can also pay for your traffic offence fines at:

  • Maybank ATM nationwide
  • All Pos Malaysia counters

Recommended : PDRM : Jail / Fine If Third Brake Light Not Working!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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How To Block Facebook Ads + Pay Scammers!

Many Facebook users are getting hit by the Facebook Ads and Facebook Pay scams! Here is how you can prevent it from happening to you!

 

Facebook Ads + Pay Scam Hits Many Bank Customers!

Many bank customers are complaining that they are being charged for fraudulent Facebook Ads advertisement campaigns!

They discovered that their debit cards were charged for Facebook advertisements that they never approved. Some have also stated that their credit or debit cards were used to purchase goods and services using Facebook Pay.

Stephanie WongI found out the money deducted from my bank acc through multiple continuous transactions yesterday, then I called Maybank customer service immediately. They helped me to cancel the card but then the thing happened again this morning.

@ruffleseedI heard tens of millions of Ringgit were reported misappropriated through @facebook
on multiple bank over the past few weeks.

Delete your phone number from Facebook now and do not let @messenger handle your SMS. @MyMaybank has yet to answer us re: this intrusion.

@ItsNeoah : Banyak kali kena kat credit card ambank. Alhamdulilah call ambank dia mintak isi dispute form then tgok next cycle bil dah takde. Letih ngan scammer ni.

Translation : [My] Ambank credit card got hit many times. Alhamdulillah, after calling Ambank, they asked me to fill out a dispute form, then when I checked the next bill cycle [the charges] was removed. Tired of this scammer.

[/su_note]

Read more : Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

 

How To Block Facebook Ads + Pay Scammers!

Here are some ways to prevent getting hit by the Facebook Ads scam, whether you are a bank customer in Malaysia or other countries.

Do NOT Use Debit Cards

First, you should NEVER use a debit card if you can help it. You should certainly not use a debit card online, or register it on any online or mobile payment platform, whether it’s for Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Facebook Pay.

It doesn’t matter if Bill Gates or Elon Musk or BTS endorses debit cards. DO NOT USE DEBIT CARDS!

You should certainly never use your debit card to fund Facebook advertisements. Always use a credit card, which offers you some protection against such fraudulent transactions.

Disable Your ATM Card’s Debit Card Function

Even if you have never requested for a debit card, you likely already own one – your ATM card likely doubles as a debit card! Banks have been forcing customers to take on debit cards, often by making ATM cards double as debit cards.

If possible, ask your bank to disable debit card function in your ATM card. But it is likely that they will refuse to do so – they make money from debit card transactions after all!

If your bank refuses to disable the debit card function in your ATM card, you can ask them to set the limit to ZERO. That will effectively block scammers from accessing your bank account!

Monitor Your Credit Card Transactions

Using a credit card to purchase products and services on online and mobile payment platforms offers you some protection against fraud, but you must always monitor the transactions and report any fraudulent transactions right away.

Depending on the country and card network, you usually have about 60 days to dispute credit card charges. So don’t wait. Report them as soon as you spot them! This will reduce the loss and reports you make, and speeds up the refund process.

Recommended : Maybank FB Ads Scam : How To Recover Your Money?!

Remove Your Credit Cards ASAP

If you register your credit cards for use with Facebook Ads or Facebook Pay, try to REMOVE them as soon as you are done.

Do NOT leave them registered to your Facebook Ads or Facebook Pay account, as a scammer or hacker who gains access to your Facebook account can make fraudulent purchases or run fraudulent advertisements using those credit cards without additional verification.

That appears to be the modus operandi of the Facebook Ads scam that has affected so many Maybank customers in recent weeks.

But if you have never registered your credit or debit cards with Facebook, or removed them after using, even if scammers hacked into your Facebook account or gained access through phishing attacks, they won’t be able to use your credit or debit cards!

Enable PIN For Facebook Pay

If you are using Facebook Pay, a scammer who gains access to your Facebook account could potentially use the debit or credit cards you registered earlier to make fraudulent transactions.

To prevent that, you should enable PIN confirmation for Facebook Pay:

  1. Go to Settings in the Facebook website (not app).
  2. Go to Account Settings, and select Orders and payments.
  3. In the Orders and payments page, select Settings.
  4. In the Security section, select Require PIN Confirmation.
  5. You will be asked to enter a 4-digit number as your PIN.
  6. Key in the 4-digit number again to confirm your PIN.

After that, you will be required to key in the 4-digit PIN whenever you make a payment, or change your bank account details, or connect your payment info with other Meta apps.

Recommended : Can Greeting Photos + Videos Hack Your Phone?!

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

To make it harder for scammers / hackers to gain access to your Facebook account, turn on two-factor authentication:

  1. Go to your Security and Login Settings.
  2. Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
  3. Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of three security methods:
Once you’ve turned on two-factor authentication, you can get 10 recovery login codes to use when you’re unable to use your phone.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Maybank FB Ads Scam : How To Recover Your Money?!

If you are one of the many Maybank (MBB) customers who got hit by the Facebook Ads scam, here is how you can recover your money!

 

Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

Many Maybank customers are complaining that they are being charged for fraudulent Facebook Ads advertisement campaigns!

They discovered that their debit cards were charged for Facebook advertisements that they never approved.

Stephanie Wong : I think i am a very cautious person as I did not link my card to any platform or make purchase through any unsafe website at ALL, but it still happens to me.

I found out the money deducted from my bank acc through multiple continuous transactions yesterday, then I called Maybank customer service immediately.

They helped me to cancel the card but then the thing happened again this morning.

@ruffleseedI heard tens of millions of Ringgit were reported misappropriated through @facebook
on multiple bank over the past few weeks.

Delete your phone number from Facebook now and do not let @messenger handle your SMS.

@MyMaybank has yet to answer us re: this intrusion.

Read more : Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

 

Maybank FB Ads Scam : How To Recover Money?!

Generally, you should NEVER use a debit card because it does not offer the protection a credit card does – money is withdrawn directly from your bank account, and the bank is not legally obliged to refund any money lost through scams.

However, Hafizah Ayko who was once a victim shared her experience on how she managed to recover money, even though the scammers used her debit card to run those fake Facebook advertisements.

To help you recover any money you may have lost to Facebook Ads scammers, I translated and “improved” her instructions for you:

Disable Your Debit / Credit Card

First, you need to quickly disable your debit or credit card. You can call up the bank, or in Maybank’s case:

Step 1 : Log into your Maybank2U account.

Step 2 : Go to Cards, and select Manage My Debit Card.

Step 3 : Select Debit Card – Replace, Renew, Activate & Block.

Step 4 : Select Block Debit Card. You will need to get a replacement card from any Maybank branch later.

If you feel that the above steps are too complicated, an alternative method would be to immediately transfer your money to another bank account, if you have one.

But please DO NOT transfer your money to another person’s account. Only transfer your money to another bank account that you own.

NEVER EVER transfer your money to a third party, especially they claim to be police officers or bank officers trying to help you. That is a scam!

Police departments and banks do NOT have special bank accounts to hold and protect your money during scams. And legitimate police and bank officers are NOT authorised to receive money, and will NEVER ask you to transfer money to their bank accounts.

Recommended : Must You Disable Facebook Auto-Fill To Block Scams?!

Disable Facebook Ads

Next, you need to immediately disable all advertisements that the scammer has set up using your Facebook account. The longer they continue to run, the more you are being charged for them!

Step 1 : Go to your Facebook account, and select See all.

Step 2 : Select Ads Manager.

Step 3 : You should see a bunch of fraudulent advertisements running. Turn all of them off.

Recommended : Beware Of Telegram Screenshot Hack + Scam!

Ask Facebook For Refund

After turning off the fraudulent advertisements, you need to report them, and ask Facebook for a refund.

Step 1 : Go to Ad account settings, and select Report a problem at the lower right corner.

Step 2 : Select Ad Policy or Fraud. Then select Fraudulent Activity.

Step 3 : Explain your situation the best you can, and upload any screenshots you have, and send the report.

After that, Facebook should respond that they would issue a refund for the fraudulent transactions in 3-5 business days!

Alternatively, you can submit report unauthorised or unknown charges to Facebook using this online form.

Recommended : Can SIM Swap empty bank accounts without warning?!

Ask Your Bank For A Refund

You should also report the fraudulent transactions to your bank and request for a refund. This works for credit cards, but you should nevertheless give it a try even if the scammers hit your debit card.

Step 1 : Download the Maybank Dispute Form.

Step 2 : Print or directly fill in the information into the PDF form.

Step 3 : Email the form to disputemgmt@maybank.com.my, together with any relevant screenshots, within 20 days from the closing date of the billing period.

Again, banks are not obliged to refund fraudulent charges to debit cards, as the money is withdrawn directly from your bank account. But there is no harm trying.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

Many Maybank (MBB) customers are getting hit by the Facebook Ads scam!

Find out what’s going on, and what you can do to avoid this Facebook Ads scam!

 

Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

Many Maybank customers are complaining that they are being charged for fraudulent Facebook Ads advertisement campaigns!

They discovered that their debit cards were charged for Facebook advertisements that they never approved.

Stephanie Wong : I think i am a very cautious person as I did not link my card to any platform or make purchase through any unsafe website at ALL, but it still happens to me.

I found out the money deducted from my bank acc through multiple continuous transactions yesterday, then I called Maybank customer service immediately.

They helped me to cancel the card but then the thing happened again this morning.

@ruffleseedI heard tens of millions of Ringgit were reported misappropriated through @facebook
on multiple bank over the past few weeks.

Delete your phone number from Facebook now and do not let @messenger handle your SMS.

@MyMaybank has yet to answer us re: this intrusion.

Recommended : Beware Of Telegram Screenshot Hack + Scam!

Fahim Fahmi : Begitu saja duit kena curi 😢

Translation : That’s how [my] money got stolen 😢

Danish Ihsan : Aku dah kena jugak, satu hari 2 transaction.. nasib sedaq awai, habis rm800.. kalau tak lagi banyak.. maybank dah tak selamat, tadi kat bank pun ada akak kena jugak transfer to others acc beribu2 jugak lah,. Solusi, jangan guna maybank buat masa sekarang..

Translation : I got with with 2 transactions in one day.. luckily, I realised early, but lost rm800.. if not it would have been more.. maybank is not safe, just now at the bank a lady transferred thousands [of ringgit] to other people’s account. Solution, don’t use Maybank for now..

Recommended : Watch Out For TNG eWallet SMS Phishing Scam!

 

Analysis : Facebook Ads Scam May Not Be Related To Maybank

Many of those customers are angry with Maybank over these fraudulent charges to their debit cards, which meant the money was directly withdrawn from their bank accounts.

However, on closer analysis, the scammers may not necessarily be taking advantage of leaked Maybank debit card information, or hacked Maybank itself…

Fact #1 : Other Bank Customers Are Affected Too

While most recent Facebook Ads scam cases appear to be affecting Maybank customers, other bank customers are reporting that they took were charged for those fraudulent advertisements.

@eeshepeeka : nohh laki cek pun kena last week tp kat CIMB. ada few transaction for 2 days nasib dia tolak sikit2. sekali deduct RM12+ sehari 3x ja. deduction description pun sama sebiji cam dlm gambaq tu. haiyaa

Translation : Well, my husband also got [scammed] last week but at CIMB. there were a few transactions for 2 days, but luckily [the scammer] deducted only small amounts. each time deducting RM12+ a day for 3 times. The deduction description is the same as the one in the picture. haiyaa

@ItsNeoah : Banyak kali kena kat credit card ambank. Alhamdulilah call ambank dia mintak isi dispute form then tgok next cycle bil dah takde. Letih ngan scammer ni.

Translation : [My] Ambank credit card got hit many times. Alhamdulillah, after calling Ambank, they asked me to fill out a dispute form, then when I checked the next bill cycle [the charges] was removed. Tired of this scammer.

Recommended : Can SIM Swap empty bank accounts without warning?!

Fact #2 : Most Of Them Ran Facebook Ads In The Past

In addition to analysing their stories, I also spoke to someone who knows several Maybank customers who got hit by the scam. From what I can ascertain, most of them ran Facebook Ads in the past.

Stephanie Wong : 3.) Did not run any ads recently, but few years ago

@wnn_tasha : I last pakai FB ad guna akaun ni tahun 2018. Silap tak remove payment method tu.

Translation : I last used FB ad using this account in 2018. My mistake for not removing the payment method.

They said that they paid for Facebook page a few years ago to boost their audience.

That said, at least two Maybank customers said that they have never registered any debit or credit card with Facebook:

Fahim Fahmi : Tak pernah ada link kad dengan FB atau social media yang lain

Translation : [I] never linked [any] card with FB or other social media

@ruffleseed : I have never set up payment methods on Facebook nor have I ever used Facebook ads.

Recommended : Beware Of Telegram Screenshot Hack + Scam!

Fact #3 : Scammer Likely Got Access To Those Facebook Accounts

What is interesting is that most of those who were affected by this Facebook Ads scam reported that their Facebook accounts were used to create and run those ads.

If their debit or credit cards were merely stolen, the scammers could have created a new Facebook account to use those stolen cards to run Facebook ads.

Fortunately, one of the victims “caught” the scammer logging into her account from the United States. This clearly shows that the Facebook Ads scam requires the scammer to gain access to their Facebook accounts.

It is likely that the scammers gained access to their victims’ Facebook accounts using phishing attacks, and simply used the debit or credit cards that those victims earlier registered with Facebook to run advertisements in the past.

Fact #4 : Facebook Auto-Fill Is Not The Problem

After these cases went viral, people blamed the Auto-Fill feature in Facebook, and shared videos and photos on how to disable it.

The truth is – this Facebook Ads scam very likely has nothing to do with Auto-Fill, which is a feature used in many other services and platforms.

Auto-Fill only makes it easier to fill in your debit or credit card details. It does not bypass any verification that is required to make a payment.

Read more : Must You Disable Facebook Auto-Fill To Block Scams?!

Fact #5 : You Can Recover Your Money!

Now, this is important – you need to move fast to cut your losses, and recover the money. You can also improve your Facebook account security to prevent it from happening again.

For more details, please read our guide – Maybank FB Ads Scam : How To Recover Money?!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Must You Disable Facebook Auto-Fill To Block Scams?!

Must you immediately disable Auto-Fill in Facebook to block scams?!

Here is what you need to know about Facebook Auto-Fill, and getting scammed on Facebook!

 

Claim : Facebook Auto-Fill Opens You To Scams!

People are sharing warnings about Facebook Auto-Fill, together with instructions on how to disable it to block Facebook Ads scams.

Guys check ur Facebook
And make sure these are OFF
this week a lot of MBB customers kena scam

1. Please check your bank account.
2. Please disable ‘auto-fill’ option in Facebook…

Recommended : Facebook Ads Scam Hits Many Maybank Customers!

 

Truth : Facebook Auto-Fill Does Not Open You To Scams

There appears to be a spate of scams involving Facebook Ads and Maybank users, but it does not appear to be related to the Facebook Auto-Fill feature, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Facebook Introduced Auto-Fill In 2013

Facebook started introducing Auto-Fill sometime in September 2013, and gradually rolled it out globally over the years, so this is not a new feature.

Fact #2 : Many App Use Auto-Fill

Facebook isn’t the only app or platform to use Auto-Fill. Many services and platforms use Auto-Fill to make it easier to fill up forms and make payments.

The Auto-Fill feature is used in most, if not all, e-commerce / online shopping / online payment platforms, to expedite payments. The idea is that if they make it easier it is for you to pay, you will tend to buy more!

Many apps and services also use Auto-Fill to help you fill onerous forms with common details like your full name, email address, address and telephone number.

Fact #3 : Facebook Does Not Automatically Have Your Details

Facebook enables Auto-Fill by default for forms and payment, but that does not mean it has access to your debit or credit cards, or even your personal details. You need to manually key in your Contact Info and/or Payment Info for Facebook Auto-Fill to work.

If you have never given Facebook your credit card details, there is no way for its Auto-Fill to automatically fill in the credit card details for any transaction. Even if a scammer gains access to your Facebook account, he/she cannot use Auto-Fill because you never keyed in your debit or credit card details in the first place!

I did a quick check on two cases involving Maybank that came up recently (first example) (second example), and noticed that both parties who reported that they got fraudulently charged for Facebook Ads never registered their credit card with Facebook at all!

So whatever may be going on, it does not appear to be a Facebook Auto-Fill issue. But just in case you are worried, here are the latest steps on how to disable Auto-Fill on the Facebook mobile app.

  1. Tap on your icon at the upper right corner of the Facebook app to access the Menu.
  2. Scroll down the Menu until you see the Settings & privacy group.
  3. Tap on Settings.
  4. Scroll down the Settings & privacy page, and tap on Browser.
  5. Scroll down the Browser settings page to the Auto-fill section.
  6. You can tap on the Contact info and Payment info to check what information you shared with Facebook.
  7. To disable Auto-fill for contact information, unselect Auto-fill contact forms.
  8. To disable Auto-fill for payment, unselect Auto-fill payment forms.

Recommended : Can SIM Swap empty bank accounts without warning?!

Fact #4 : Auto-Fill Cannot Bypass TAC Verification

Even if you registered your credit card details with Facebook, and then use Auto-Fill to make a purchase, you will still need to authenticate that purchase.

Of course, it is possible to conduct a SIM swap attack, but that’s a different story altogether…

Fact #5 : Existing Facebook Ads Account Is A Risk

Those who have earlier registered a Facebook Ads account and ran advertisements may be at risk, because their credit cards would already be linked to their Facebook Ads account.

A scammer who gains access to their account (usually through phishing attacks) can easily create and run advertisements using their existing Facebook Ads account using the credit cards that have already been registered and approved earlier.

To minimise your risk, never ever use a debit card! Always use a CREDIT CARD, and always keep an eye on the transactions. Report to the bank once you see a fraudulent transaction.

But this has nothing to do with the Facebook Auto-Fill feature, and is not a concern if you never pre-approved your debit or credit cards with a Facebook Ads account.

Fact #5 : Existing Facebook Pay Account Is A Risk

Similarly, if you are using Facebook Pay, a scammer who gains access to your Facebook account could potentially use the debit or credit cards you registered earlier to make fraudulent transactions.

Again, you should NEVER use a debit card with Facebook Pay. Use a credit card, and always keep an eye on the transactions, and report to the bank once you see something fishy.

On top of that, you should enable PIN confirmation for Facebook Pay:

  1. Go to Settings in the Facebook website (not app).
  2. Go to Account Settings, and select Orders and payments.
  3. In the Orders and payments page, select Settings.
  4. In the Security section, select Require PIN Confirmation.
  5. You will be asked to enter a 4-digit number as your PIN.
  6. Key in the 4-digit number again to confirm your PIN.

After that, you will be required to key in the 4-digit PIN whenever you make a payment, or change your bank account details, or connect your payment info with other Meta apps.

Recommended : Maybank FB Ads Scam : How To Recover Money?!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Cybersecurity | MoneyTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

TTDI Ramadan Bazaar Offers Full Digital Payments!

Tech Hunter just launched a a massive Ramadan Bazaar in TTDI called #TechMeToBazaar, where every vendor is fully equipped for digital payments!

 

TTDI Ramadan Bazaar Offers Full Digital Payments!

Tech Hunter just launched a Ramadan Bazaar in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI) called #TechMeToBazaar. The massive bazaar boasts over 150 stalls offering local delicacies, and expects to welcome over 200,000 visitors this year.

Thanks to Tech Hunter Global Sdn Bhd (“Tech Hunter”), visitors to the TTDI Ramadan Bazaar can make payments using a variety of digital modes, including debit or credit cards and e-wallets.

All stalls at the TTDI Ramadan Bazaar are fully equipped with payment terminals set up by PayHunter, a Tech Hunter subsidiary, so visitors can simply “wave” their debit or credit cards, or scan the QR codes to digitally transfer money using any e-wallet. Visitors no longer have to worry about bringing enough cash to pay for their buka puasa meals!

TTDI Ramadan Bazaar is also powered by SHOPLINE, a global Smart Commerce Enabler offering omnichannel commerce solutions. SHOPLINE recently integrated its POS system with Tech Hunter’s Smart Mobile Payment Terminal to allow retailers to easily place and checkout a customer’s order via a compact, wireless device – perfect for space-saving and mobile use at the bazaar!

Lastly, YTL Communications’ Yes is the telecommunications provider that powers the 5G connectivity throughout the entire bazaar.

“This Ramadan, we are proud to launch the first ever 5G Ramadan Bazaar, powered by Yes 5G as part of the Tech Me To Bazaar campaign,” said Wing K. Lee, Chief Executive Officer at YTL Communications. “In line with our ongoing mission to enable 5G for All, we are bringing 5G connectivity to one of the most engaged activities of the festive season. Through the Ramadan bazaar at TTDI, we are making 5G accessible for both vendors and customers alike to experience seamless connectivity, fast internet speeds and ultra-low latency through Yes 5G. We welcome all to our Yes booths located within the bazaar, to kickstart their 5G experience powered by Yes”.

 

Promotions @ TTDI Ramadan Bazaar!

Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), SHOPLINE, GrabPay Malaysia and YTL Communications came together as sponsors to offer these promotions at the TTDI Ramadan Bazaar :

  • Visitors who use their BSN credit or debit card to make an accumulated spend of RM50 with a maximum combination of three (3) receipts, will stand a chance to win a one-time RM5 cashback during the campaign period from 23 March until 21 April 2023. A total of 4,000 winners will be selected randomly.
  • Visitors can also enjoy RM30 off, with a minimum purchase of RM200 using Grab’s PayLater function in the Grab app. Visitors will need to scan the GrabPay QR code at the stalls, key in the payment amount and “Pay Next Month” or “Pay in 4 Instalments” to enjoy the discount.

The TTDI Ramadan Bazaar is open from 3 PM every day from 23 March until 21 April 2023.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Watch Out For TNG eWallet SMS Phishing Scam!

In this article, we will show you many types of TNG eWallet SMS phasing scam, so you can avoid them!

 

Watch Out For TNG eWallet SMS Phishing Scam!

People are getting these SMS messages that appear to be from TNG eWallet, but are really just phishing scams!

RMO TNG eWallet: Bantuan e-dompet kepada golongan B40&M40 RM1000 akan dikreditkan ke dalam TNG eWallet anda. Kemaskini maklumat dan semakan status di www.tngewalletbantuangov.com

RMO T’n GO Your account function has been closed. You need to confirm the device immediately. Follow my.tngwallc.com

RMO TNG Wallet: Permohonan GOpinjam anda telah diluluskan, RM3000 telah kredit ke TNG Wallet anda. Sila semak baki dan tuntutan anda di http://logtouchngo.cc

RMO GOV: Terima kasih atas sokongan anda dari kerajaan BN. Bantuan e-dompet kepada rakyat Malaysia berjumlah RM500 telah kredit ke TNG Wallet anda. Sila sahkan identiti dan semak baki anda di https://touchngoemy.top/

 

How TNG eWallet SMS Phishing Scam Works!

The many examples of the TNG eWallet phishing scam employ SMS spoofing technology to send you SMS messages that appear to be from the TNG eWallet team.

What most people don’t know is that – the TNG eWallet team will never send you any SMS messages to :

  • offer you money from government or other agencies
  • inform you that money has been credited to your eWallet
  • ask you to log into your eWallet account using a link
  • ask you to update your account information using a link

The TNG eWallet team warned users against clicking on any links sent by SMS, even if they appear to be genuine. Genuine TNG eWallet SMS messages will never have a link attached.

These links do not lead to the real TNG eWallet website (https://www.touchngo.com.my/), but use similar-looking fake domains, like:

tngewalletbantuangov.com
my.tngwallc.com
logtouchngo.cc
touchngoemy.top
ewallettouchng.top
touchngosign.com
touchngolog.top
logintouchngo.cc
touchngo.life
touchngologin.cc
my.touchngo.com
my.touchwalf.com
my.touchwalp.com
my.tngowalle.com
my.tngowallet.com
tngwallet.top

If you see such domains, you should be alert that you are being targeted by a phishing scam. NEVER CLICK ON A LINK in any TNG eWallet SMS.

If you click on any of these links, you will be taken to a page that looks like a genuine TNG eWallet login page, but is really a phishing scam page.

If you key in your login details, as well as your phone number and One-Time Password (OTP), the scammers will have full access to your eWallet, and can freely transfer out your eWallet balance.

As many of us link our credit cards to the TNG eWallet, the scammers can also reload your eWallet using those credit cards, and transfer the money out.

So make sure you IGNORE any SMS message that asks you to click on a link, even if it appears to be from TNG eWallet.

Please help to fight financial scams, by SHARING this article with your family and friends!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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PayPal Retracts New $2,500 Fine After Backlash!

PayPal just retracted a new $2,500 fine that it was planning to introduce. Here is what you need to know…

 

PayPal Retracts New $2,500 Fine After Backlash!

On Sunday, October 9, 2022, PayPal quickly retracted a new policy that would have allowed it to fine its users $2,500 for spreading misinformation.

But instead of apologising for planning to introduce such the $2,500 misinformation fine, PayPal claimed that the updated Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) was released “in error”.

An AUP notice recently went out in error that included incorrect information. PayPal is not fining people for misinformation and this language was never intended to be inserted in our policy. Our teams are working to correct our policy pages. We’re sorry for the confusion this has caused.

This awkward, inelegant reversal came after the potential policy changes drew media attention, and much criticism on social media.

Even former PayPal President David Marcus came out to blast the company over its plans to fine its customers if it disagrees with their views.

It’s hard for me to openly criticize a company I used to love and gave so much to. But @PayPal’s new AUP goes against everything I believe in.

A private company now gets to decide to take your money if you say something they disagree with. Insanity.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted his agreement with Marcus, “Agreed“.

Even though PayPal reversed its course, it doesn’t sound like it understood why so many came out so strongly against the new AUP. Its response was tone deaf and obtuse.

 

The $2,500 Misinformation Fine PayPal Wanted To Introduce

The $2,500 misinformation fine was part of a major update of the PayPal Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that was supposed to take effect on November 3, 2022.

PayPal wanted to expand its existing list of prohibited activities to include the “sending, posting, or publication of messages, content, or materials that meet certain criteria.

PayPal’s prior policy already forbade “hate”, “intolerance”, and discrimination, but the new policy would explicitly be applied to specific “protected groups” and “individuals or groups based on protected characteristics” like race, religion, gender or gender identity, and sexual orientation”.

Those who break the new rule against misinformation and hate speech may be subjected to “damages, including liquidated damages of $2,500.00 U.S. dollars per violation, which may be debited directly from your PayPal account“.

In other words, if PayPal determines that you are spreading misinformation, it has the right to deduct $2,500 from your account, for each violation.

The new AUP would require users to agree to accept that the penalty is “presently a reasonable minimum estimate of PayPal’s actual damages” for the violations, as well as damage to its reputation.

While I hate fake news creators, and have spent countless hours writing fact check articles, this is a step too far. There is simply no check or balance in the new PayPal AUP.

History has shown that tech companies make tons of mistakes in detecting and deciding on what is fake news, and what’s not. Some of my fact check articles have been labelled by Facebook, LinkedIn and even Google as fake news, and it takes considerable effort to get them checked and whitelisted.

Is PayPal going to compensate those who it wrongly decided has contravened its AUP for misinformation? Is there even an avenue for aggrieved parties to easily and quickly dispute such actions?

Nothing PayPal has done shows that any forethought went into this new AUP. It is therefore not surprising that even FCC Brendan Carr came out to describe this as “Orwellian”.

PayPal reserves the right to take your money if you post a message that PayPal decides is “misinformation,.

This is why it is so vital that state and federal legislatures pass laws that prohibit discrimination by tech companies and protect free speech.

The best solution to this problem is to do what venture capitalist David Sacks advised – “Get your money out of PayPal right now

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Maybank: New Secure2u Activations Only On MAE App

Maybank will only allow new Secure2u activations on their MAE app, instead of their Maybank2u app!

 

Maybank : New Secure2u Activations Only On MAE App

From 26 September 2022 onwards, Maybank will only allow new Secure2u activations on their MAE e-wallet app, instead of their Maybank2u banking app.

Secure2u is a mobile app-based authentication method for your banking transactions, which replaces the SMS TAC that is vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.

This change only affects new Secure2u activations. If you have already activated Secure2u on your Maybank2u banking app, then you can continue to use the Maybank2u app to approve your transactions as usual.

Maybank will also move two Amanah Saham National Berhad (ASNB) services from the Maybank2u app to the MAE app permanently, starting 7 October 2022.

  • View own and child’s account balance(s)
  • Make transfers to own account(s) via Favourites

This shifting of features is part of Maybank’s push to “encourage” its customers to switch to their MAE e-wallet app, and it plans to phase out the Maybank2u app eventually.

By moving customers to MAE, Maybank is hoping that they might start using its e-wallet feature, as well as reduce its need to develop and maintain two separate mobile apps.

 

12-Hour Activation Delay For Secure2u In MAE

To further strengthen the appeal of the MAE app, Maybank is going to boost the security of its Secure2u feature.

Starting on 22 October 2022, the Secure2u feature in the MAE app will be enhanced with a 12-hour activation period to prevent unauthorised activations.

Those who activate Secure2u in MAE on a new device will need to wait at least 12 hours, before they can begin using the Secure2u feature to authenticate any transaction.

The idea is to give the account owner at least 12 hours to detect any potential fraudulent attempt to activate Secure2u on unauthorised devices.

 

How To Set Up Secure2u In MAE

Setting up Secure2u in the MAE app is straightforward :

  1. Install the MAE app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or HUAWEI AppGallery.
  2. Launch the MAE app, and tap More.
  3. Tap on Settings at the top of the screen.
  4. Tap on Maybank2u and log into your Maybank account.
  5. Tap the toggle button next to Secure2u to enable it.
  6. Tap on Activate Now.
  7. Key in and confirm your mobile number.
  8. Maybank will send a One-Time Password (OTP) to you via SMS.
  9. Key in the OTP number and confirm your device name to authorise the change.

That’s it! Then you just need to use your MAE app (instead of SMS TAC) to authenticate your future banking transactions on Maybank.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Apple Pay Setup Guide : How To Register Your Cards!

Now that Apple Pay is available in Malaysia, here is my guide on how to set it up with your debit / credit card!

 

Apple Pay Is Now Available In Malaysia!

Apple Pay was first launched way back in September 2014, together with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. However, its global availability was slow and some would say, tortuous.

For years, Apple fans in Malaysia have requested for Apple Pay to be introduced in Malaysia, and could only look at Singapore in envy, when Apple Pay was introduced there more than six years ago in April 2016!

But the wait is over! The steady drip of leaks has finally culminated in actual confirmation that yes, Apple Pay is now available in Malaysia!

While this guide is based on credit cards in Malaysia, it will work in other countries too, as long as Apple Pay is supported.

 

Not All Banks Support Apple Pay

First of all, you must understand that not all banks support Apple Pay. Here in Malaysia, only three banks support Apple Pay at the moment.

Banks In Malaysia That Support Apple Pay

You will be able to register debit and credit cards issued by these banks :

  • AmBank
  • Maybank
  • Standard Chartered Bank

Banks In Malaysia That Do Not Support Apple Pay

You won’t be able to add debit or credit cards from these banks :

  • CIMB
  • Citibank
  • UOB
  • OCBC

I will update this article as and when I find out what other banks in Malaysia support, or don’t support, Apple Pay.

Read more : How To Add MySJ Vaccine Certificate To Apple Wallet + Health

 

How To Register Your Card In Apple Pay

To help you register your debit / credit card with Apple Pay, here is my step-by-step guide :

Step 1 : Open the Wallet app in your iPhone.

Step 2 : Tap on the Add button to “Add a credit or debit card to get started using Apple Pay”.

Step 3 : In the next screen, tap on the Continue button.

Step 4 : You will now be asked to “scan” your debit / credit card using your iPhone camera, positioning it within the frame.

Step 5 : The Wallet app will try to pick up important details of your credit card like :

  • Name
  • Credit card number
  • Expiry date

If nothing happens, that means it cannot read the details off the card. Then you will need to tap on the Enter Card Details Manually option at the bottom.

Step 6 : Whether your card details are detected or not, verify the key card details required by Apple Pay :

  • Name
  • Card Number
  • Expiry Date
  • Security Code

If the detected details are wrong, edit them to make sure they match your debit / credit card.

Step 7 : You will need to key in the Security Code, which is a 3-digit or 4-digit CSC (Card Security Code) / CVV (Card Verification Value) / CVC (Card Verification Code) usually printed on the back of your debit / credit card.

Step 8 : If your credit card is not supported, you will get a pop-up message saying :

Your Issuer Does Not Yet Offer Support for This Card

Ask your issuer if they offer cards that support Apple Pay.

If your card is supported, you will see a list of Terms and Conditions. You will need to tap on Agree to continue.

Step 9 : The screen show details of your credit card while the Wallet app sets it up for Apple Pay. Just wait for a few seconds.

Step 10 : You will now be asked to verify your card for Apple Pay, usually through Text Message. Tap Next to continue with the verification process.

Step 11 : You will receive an SMS with a 6-digit One Time Password (OTP). You need to key that in within 2 minutes :

Card enrolment OTP for your digital wallet is XXXXXX. It will expire after 2 mins. If you have not performed this, please contact the bank.

Step 12 : Tap Next after keying in the OTP, and you should see the Card Activated notice.

That’s it! Your credit card is now ready for Apple Pay. When you open your Wallet, you should see that debit / credit card listed.

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Apple Pay Is Now Available In Malaysia!

Apple did not announce anything official, but Apple Pay is now available in Malaysia!

Here is what you need to know, and how you can start using Apple Pay in Malaysia!

 

Apple Pay Is Now Available In Malaysia!

Apple Pay was first launched way back in September 2014, together with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. However, its global availability was slow and some would say, tortuous.

For years, Apple fans in Malaysia have requested for Apple Pay to be introduced in Malaysia, and could only look at Singapore in envy, when Apple Pay was introduced there more than six years ago in April 2016!

But the wait is over! The steady drip of leaks has finally culminated in actual confirmation that yes, Apple Pay is now available in Malaysia!

Apple did not announce anything, but you can now add your debit / credit cards to Apple Pay and start using it in Malaysia!

This makes Malaysia only the second country in Southeast Asia to support Apple Pay. The first was Singapore in April 2016.

Malaysia is also only the 10th territory in Asia to support Apple Pay, after Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand and Singapore.

 

What Banks Currently Support Apple Pay In Malaysia?

Right off the bat, I have to warn you that support for Apple Pay is still pretty limited in Malaysia, to just three banks as far as I can tell.

Banks In Malaysia That Support Apple Pay

You will be able to register debit and credit cards issued by these banks :

  • AmBank
  • Maybank
  • Standard Chartered Bank

Banks In Malaysia That Do Not Support Apple Pay

You won’t be able to add debit or credit cards from these banks :

  • CIMB
  • Citibank
  • UOB
  • OCBC

I will update this article as and when I find out what other banks in Malaysia support, or don’t support, Apple Pay.

Read more : How To Add MySJ Vaccine Certificate To Apple Wallet + Health

 

How To Register Apple Pay In Malaysia?

To help you register your debit / credit card with Apple Pay, here is my step-by-step guide :

Step 1 : Open the Wallet app in your iPhone.

Step 2 : Tap on the Add button to “Add a credit or debit card to get started using Apple Pay”.

Step 3 : In the next screen, tap on the Continue button.

Step 4 : You will now be asked to “scan” your debit / credit card using your iPhone camera, positioning it within the frame.

Step 5 : The Wallet app will try to pick up important details of your credit card like :

  • Name
  • Credit card number
  • Expiry date

If nothing happens, that means it cannot read the details off the card. Then you will need to tap on the Enter Card Details Manually option at the bottom.

Step 6 : Whether your card details are detected or not, verify the key card details required by Apple Pay :

  • Name
  • Card Number
  • Expiry Date
  • Security Code

If the detected details are wrong, edit them to make sure they match your debit / credit card.

Step 7 : You will need to key in the Security Code, which is a 3-digit or 4-digit CSC (Card Security Code) / CVV (Card Verification Value) / CVC (Card Verification Code) usually printed on the back of your debit / credit card.

Step 8 : If your credit card is not supported, you will get a pop-up message saying :

Your Issuer Does Not Yet Offer Support for This Card

Ask your issuer if they offer cards that support Apple Pay.

If your card is supported, you will see a list of Terms and Conditions. You will need to tap on Agree to continue.

Step 9 : The screen show details of your credit card while the Wallet app sets it up for Apple Pay. Just wait for a few seconds.

Step 10 : You will now be asked to verify your card for Apple Pay, usually through Text Message. Tap Next to continue with the verification process.

Step 11 : You will receive an SMS with a 6-digit One Time Password (OTP). You need to key that in within 2 minutes :

Card enrolment OTP for your digital wallet is XXXXXX. It will expire after 2 mins. If you have not performed this, please contact the bank.

Step 12 : Tap Next after keying in the OTP, and you should see the Card Activated notice.

That’s it! Your credit card is now ready for Apple Pay. When you open your Wallet, you should see that debit / credit card listed.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Confirmed : Apple Pay Is Launching Soon In Malaysia!

Multiple leaks confirm that Apple Pay is launching soon in Malaysia! Here is what you need to know…

 

Leaks Confirm Apple Pay Is Launching Soon In Malaysia!

Multiple leaks have more or less let the cat out of the bag – that Apple Pay is launching soon in Malaysia!

This would make Malaysia the second country in Southeast Asia to support Apple Pay, and the 10th territory in Asia, after Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand and Singapore.

AmBank Sent Apple Pay SMS

The first to leak was AmBank, when they sent out an SMS to their customers in July 2022, prematurely telling them that they can now use Apple Pay.

It appeared to have been a test run that ran awry, as their Apple Pay website was not yet ready. But it alerted everyone to the fact that Apple Pay is coming to Malaysia.

Shopee Added Apple Pay As Payment Option

The second to leak was Shopee, which released an Apple Pay option in version 2.91.28 of their app on 2 August 2022.

If you tap on it, you will simply be asked to “ensure there’s an active card in your Apple Pay wallet to proceed“.

Of course, you can’t actually add any credit / debit card to your Apple Pay wallet yet, but you can see that it is listed as a payment option.

Maxis Accidentally Promotes Apple Pay As Payment Option

On 5 August 2022, a Maxis Centre accidentally put out a cardboard sign announcing “Apple Pay accepted here“.

The tweet was deleted by its poster, but the cardboard sign was traced to the Sri Muda Maxis Centre in Shah Alam.

sorry guys had to delete the tweets atas permintaan pihak tertentu. but don’t worry cuz apple pay is coming soon to Malaysia!

AmBank Released Their Apple Pay Portal!

On 8 August 2022, AmBank (accidentally?) released their Apple Pay portal, confirming that the contactless payment system is ready to launch in Malaysia!

The AmBank Apple Pay portal has now been removed, but here are some of the details it revealed :

  • There is no transaction limit for Apple Pay, as opposed to a transaction limit of RM250 per purchase, with a RM750 daily limit, for other contactless payment platforms.
  • There is also no transaction limit for online purchases using Apple Pay through your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer.
  • AmBank also offered some promotions, including cash back for the first purchase using Apple Pay.
  • There were two unlisted YouTube videos (now removed) showing how to pay for your purchases using Apple Pay. Basically:
    a) Look for the Apple Pay and EMV contactless payment logos at the retailer
    b) Simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the credit card terminal to pay
    c) Use either Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode to verify the payment

 

Apple Pay Is Now Available In Malaysia!

You would have thought that AmBank would have learned from their July 2022 SMS mistake, but no… they didn’t.

Then again, they may have “accidentally” leaked the Apple Pay website to drum up some hype ahead of the official launch.

These “accidents” have a habit of happening…

In any case, Apple Pay is now available in Malaysia, even though there was no official launch!

Read more : Apple Pay Is Now Available In Malaysia!

Most likely, Apple will roll it out in Malaysia with the next iOS update – probably iOS 15.6.1.

Currently iOS 15.6 does not support Apple Pay in Malaysia. When you try to add a debit / credit card to the Wallet app, you get this pop-up :

To add cards, keys, tickets and passes to Wallet, look for the Add to Wallet button in apps, emails and websites.

Until Apple adds this functionality through an iOS update for Malaysia, there is simply no way to add any card to the Wallet app.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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No More Cash Payment At KKM Hospitals + Clinics!

Public hospitals and clinics under KKM will no longer accept cash payments starting 1 October 2022!

Here is what you need to know…

 

No More Cash Payment At KKM Hospitals + Clinics!

From 1 October 2022 onwards, public hospitals and clinics under the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) will no longer accept cash payments.

They will only accept payments through e-payment methods like :

  • debit card
  • credit card
  • e-wallet

They will, however, accept cash payment if the customer has no other payment options, or a bank account.

KKM is aiming to achieve 95% cashless transactions by December 2022.

 

Why KKM Hospitals + Clinics Will No Longer Accept Cash Payments

This initiative to eliminate cash payments at KKM health facilities is part of the 2021 Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, which called for all federal and state agencies to prioritise cashless payments by the year 2022.

The 2021-2022 KKM Anti-Corruption Plan also called for cash payments to be eliminated at public hospitals and clinics.

The Malaysia Ministry of Health believes that eliminating cash payments at their health facilities will :

  • reduce the risk of leakage of public funds
  • increase efficiency by making payments at the counter faster, easier and safer
  • reduce the cost and work process of collecting payments
  • reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections through contactless payment

To that end, KKM had ordered the implementation of cashless payment systems at all health facilities back in June 2022, with full implementation starting 1 October 2022, targeting 95% cashless payments by December 2022.

 

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Putin Signs Law Banning Crypto Payments In Russia!

Russian President Vladimir Putin just signed into law a national ban on crypto payments in Russia!

Find out what’s going on, and what it means for cryptocurrencies in Russia!

 

Putin Signs Law Banning Crypto Payments In Russia!

On July 16, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin just signed into law a national ban on crypto payments in Russia.

This move comes after the Central Bank of Russia proposed an outright ban on using cryptocurrencies for payments or investments.

This ban does not go so far – it only bans payments using cryptocurrencies, while allowing people to continue investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereal, as well as digital assets like NFTs.

The new Russian law, as translated by Google, states that :

It is prohibited to transfer or accept digital financial assets as a consideration for transferred goods, performed works, rendered services, as well as in any other way that allows one to assume payment for goods (works, services) by a digital financial asset, except as otherwise provided by federal laws.

While it prohibits individuals and companies from paying for, and receiving, cryptocurrencies for goods and services, it allows the Russian government to use cryptocurrencies.

It also does not prohibit investing in cryptocurrencies or digital assets like NFT, leaving that open for now.

Read more : Bill Gates Mocks Crypto + NFTs As Assets For Fools!

 

Partial Crypto Ban Reflects A Russia In Quandary

This partial ban on cryptocurrency reflects Russia’s precarious financial situation after invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The Russian government had, prior to that, been skeptical, if not hostile, about cryptocurrency. But US and European sanctions are forcing them to hold back.

The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, for example, just approved a draft bill on June 28 that would exempt cryptocurrency issuers from the Value Added Tax (VAT).

If passed by the upper house and signed into law by Putin, the lower house bill would also lower tax rates on income earned from selling cryptocurrencies – falling from 20% to just 13% for Russian companies, and 15% for foreign companies.

More recently, the Head of Russia’s Financial Policy Department even suggested that Russia could use cryptocurrencies to settle international payments.

Even Putin himself said that Russia had “certain competitive advantages” including a “surplus of electricity and well-trained personnel” to participate in crypto-mining, even though he is against using cryptocurrencies domestically.

If the Russian government chooses this path, it would be considered hypocritical in light of this ban on crypto payments in Russia. Cryptocurrencies are bad for the people, but good for the Russian government.

 

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TnG eWallet Back Online After Going Down For Over 8 Hours!

All TnG eWallet services are finally back online, after going down for over 8 hours!

Here is everything you need to know!

 

TnG eWallet Down Earlier : No Payments Or Transfers!

At around 1 PM today, the TnG eWallet platform went down, preventing users from making payments or even money transfers.

One of our readers, Kent Ng, shared with me the error messages he received in the TnG eWallet app.

When he tried to transfer money, he received a Connection Time Out error. He couldn’t even pay for parking using TnG eWallet!

Initially, TNG Digital said that RFID transactions were affected, but a few hours later, they said that RFID can still be used, but you are limited to the balance in your TnG eWallet.

The automatic reload feature in the TnG eWallet is still down, so you cannot use RFID to go through toll booths if there is insufficient balance in your eWallet.

Please check your TnG eWallet balance, and make sure you have enough for the toll. Otherwise, please avoid using the TnG RFID lanes at toll booths until this issue is resolved.

You will have to switch to the Touch ‘n Go card, with or without SmartTAG, to pay at toll booths. Please make sure you have sufficient balance in your TnG card.

 

TnG eWallet Back Online After Going Down For Over 8 Hours!

After netizens complained about not being able to make payments, TNG Digital posted a short statement that they are currently working on a solution.

Dear valued user, 📣

We understand you’re experiencing a service interruption in your eWallet at the moment & may not be able to perform payments including RFID & PayDirect transactions. 🚫

Rest assured that we are currently rectifying this matter & will update you accordingly, as soon as it is back online. 🧐

We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Thank you for your kind patience & understanding. 🙏

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet team. 💙

About six hours later, they were still not able to restore payments. But the good news is that they say that TNG RFID will work at highway toll booths, as long as you have sufficient balance in your eWallet.

Touch ‘n Go Wallet is currently experiencing a technical difficulty and as such we are experiencing a disruption of all Touch ‘n Go Wallet services.

Touch ‘n Go cards and RFID can still be used in highways, transit and parking if you have sufficient balance.

You can reload all your Touch ‘n Go cards at physical reload points as usual.

We are working to restore our services as soon as possible.

At 9:35 PM – after over 8 hours of downtime – TNG Digital finally announced that all Touch ‘n Go eWallet are finally up and running!

Touch ‘n Go Wallet and its services are up and running.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused earlier and thank you for your kind patients.

They however noticeably did not reveal what happened to their platform, or explain why it took them so long to get it back online again.

We can only hope that they learned from this incident, and will put in place measures to prevent it from happening again…

 

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Touch ‘n Go eWallet Is Now Back On Apple App Store!

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet app was quietly restored to the Apple App Store, as quietly as it was removed earlier!

Here is what we know so far…

 

Touch ‘n Go eWallet Is Now Back On Apple App Store!

Apple quietly removed the Touch ‘n Go eWallet (TNG eWallet) from the App Store in the first week of May 2022.

The TNG eWallet download page earlier stated “App Not Available – The app is currently not available in your country or region“.

It was also removed from the App Store search listing. The Boost eWallet now appears, instead of the TNG eWallet.

Even though the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app is no longer available in the Apple App Store, you can continue to use it if you had already installed it earlier.

The TNG Digital team stated that they are working to resolve the issue with Apple, and confirmed that the app that is installed in your iPhone will continue to work with all features fully-functioning.

Fortunately, the Touch ‘n Go eWallet (TNG eWallet) app was quietly restored to the Apple App Store on 11 May 2022.

 

Was Touch ‘n Go eWallet NFC Feature Removed For Apple Users?

Neither Apple nor Touch ‘n Go eWallet stated why the TNG eWallet app was removed from the App Store.

At that time, believed Apple removed it because of the recently-added NFC top-up feature for physical Touch ‘n Go cards.

That’s because Apple Pay is the only mobile wallet / eWallet allowed to use the iPhone and iPad’s NFC capabilities  for contactless payments.

That limitation has resulted in an antitrust charge by the European Union :

The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that it abused its dominant position in markets for mobile wallets on iOS devices. By limiting access to a standard technology used for contactless payments with mobile devices in stores (‘Near-Field Communication (NFC)’ or ‘tap and go’), Apple restricts competition in the mobile wallets market on iOS.

The Commission takes issue with the decision by Apple to prevent mobile wallets app developers, from accessing the necessary hardware and software (‘NFC input’) on its devices, to the benefit of its own solution, Apple Pay.

However, the newly-approved Touch ‘n Go eWallet version 1.7.73 continued to feature the NFC reload option.

Therefore, it seems more likely that Apple removed the app earlier due to the Face Verification feature in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app.

In fact, the new Touch ‘n Go eWallet version 1.7.73 now lacks the Face Verification feature. Their FAQ also stated that :

Face verification is being upgraded for iOS users, this feature will be temporarily disabled. Kindly use your PIN as alternate authentication.

The previous version of Touch ‘n Go eWallet could have contravened this App Store Review Guidelines rule :

2.5.13 Apps using facial recognition for account authentication must use LocalAuthentication (and not ARKit or other facial recognition technology) where possible, and must use an alternate authentication method for users under 13 years old.

But at least Apple iPhone users can rest assured that they will continue to get the latest Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. They just have to live without the Face Verification feature for now…

 

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Why Was Touch ‘n Go eWallet Removed From App Store?!

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet app was just removed from the Apple App Store!

Here is what we know so far…

 

Touch ‘n Go eWallet Removed From Apple App Store!

Apple quietly removed the Touch ‘n Go eWallet (TNG eWallet) from the App Store a few days ago.

The TNG eWallet download page now states “App Not Available – The app is currently not available in your country or region“.

It was also removed from the App Store search listing. The Boost eWallet now appears, instead of the TNG eWallet.

Interestingly, the download page in the official Touch ‘n Go eWallet website is also not functioning, with a 404 error – Page not found.

It is however still available in the Google Play Store, so Android users can still download it just fine.

Even though the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app is no longer available in the Apple App Store, you can continue to use it if you had already installed it earlier.

The TNG Digital team stated that they are working to resolve the issue with Apple, and confirmed that the app that is installed in your iPhone will continue to work with all features fully-functioning.

This does not mean the removal is to be taken lightly. Until the app is restored to the App Store, you will no longer be able to update the app.

Over time, you may lose out on new features. But more importantly, you will no longer receive security and fixes.

 

Why Was Touch ‘n Go eWallet Removed From App Store?!

Neither Apple nor Touch ‘n Go eWallet stated why the TNG eWallet app was removed from the App Store.

However, I believe Apple removed it because of the recently-added NFC top-up feature for physical Touch ‘n Go cards.

That’s because Apple Pay is the only mobile wallet / eWallet allowed to use the iPhone and iPad’s NFC capabilities  for contactless payments.

That limitation has resulted in an antitrust charge by the European Union :

The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that it abused its dominant position in markets for mobile wallets on iOS devices. By limiting access to a standard technology used for contactless payments with mobile devices in stores (‘Near-Field Communication (NFC)’ or ‘tap and go’), Apple restricts competition in the mobile wallets market on iOS.

The Commission takes issue with the decision by Apple to prevent mobile wallets app developers, from accessing the necessary hardware and software (‘NFC input’) on its devices, to the benefit of its own solution, Apple Pay.

If this was the reason for the TNG eWallet app’s removal, it will be yet another example of Apple’s egregious anti-competitive nature, and yet another strike against their walled garden.

If they continue to lock down the NFC feature on the iPhone / iPad to force the use of Apple Pay, they will invite more anti-trust actions, and possibly turn people to the Android platform.

Unfortunately, there’s really nothing much Apple users can do.

 

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Penang Smart Parking : RM4.40 Glitch Fixed!

The Penang Smart Parking glitch that reduced everyone’s account balance to just RM4.40 has been FIXED!

Here is what you need to know…

 

Penang Smart Parking Glitch Reduced Balance To RM4.40!

On 19 January 2022, drivers in Penang received a surprise when their Penang Smart Parking app showed a balance of just RM 4.40.

Many took to social media to ask if their accounts were hacked, or claim that the Penang Smart Parking app was hacked.

Currently, it does NOT appear to be a hack, as everyone reported the same RM4.40 balance in their account.

 

Penang Smart Parking Glitch Fixed, Balances Synced By Tomorrow!

When the problem first cropped up, the Penang Smart Parking team asked the public not to worry if their account balance shows RM4.40, as their eWallet balances remain secure and intact.

At 5:51 PM, the PSP team announced that they successfully fixed the problem, and restored the correct eWallet record.

All transactions will be synchronised after operating hours today at 6:00 PM, and is expected to be completed by 6 AM on 20 January 2022.

 

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TNG RFID Self-Fitment Guide : How To Do It Yourself!

Did you know that you can purchase and self-fit TNG RFID tags at home?

Here is our guide on how to purchase and fit the TNG RFID tag by yourself!

 

TNG RFID Tag : What Is It?

TNG RFID is an electronic payment system that uses an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag to pass through tolls.

The RFID Tag is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen or headlamp, and linked to the user’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet account.

Whenever the vehicle approaches a toll, an overhead scanner its encrypted code and automatically deducts the fare, allowing the user to pass without stopping.

 

TNG RFID Tag : Where To Buy?

You can now purchase the TNG RFID tags for RM 35 at these two official online stores :

Please buy only from the two official TNG online stores above. We do NOT recommend buying from third-party stores, because they may not be authentic.

 

TNG RFID Self-Fitment Step 1 : Install It On Your Vehicle

Here is a handy video guide on how to install the RFID tag on your vehicle :

  1. Clean the surface of the windscreen or headlamp
  2. Peel off the RFID tag from the Self-Fitment Kit
  3. Attach theRFID Tag either to :
    a) the exterior of the upper left windscreen, or
    b) the left headlamp of the vehicle

 

TNG RFID Self-Fitment Step 2 : Register + Activate Your Tag

  1. Register a Touch ‘n Go Mobility eXperience account at mx.touchngo.com.my.
  2. Log into your Mobility eXperience account.
  3. Register your TNG RFID Tag number.

  1. Add your vehicle number to pair your RFID Tag with it.

  1. Add your mobile number to link your RFID Tag to your Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

That’s it! Now you just have to wait for an activation SMS in the next 24 hours, before you can start using your new RFID Tag!.

 

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TNG RFID Will Finally Be Operational On PLUS Highway!

After almost 2 years of delay, TNG RFID will finally be operational on the PLUS Highway from 15 January 2022 onwards!

Here is what you need to know…

 

TNG RFID @ PLUS Highway : Originally Scheduled For April 2020!

TNG RFID is an electronic payment system that uses an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag that is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen or headlamp, and linked to the user’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet account.

The TNG RFID Tag is linked to the user’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet account, and whenever your vehicle approaches a toll, an overhead scanner its encrypted code and automatically deducts the fare, allowing you to pass without stopping.

This system was originally meant to be implemented on the PLUS highway in April 2020, but was repeatedly delayed until now…

Read more : TNG RFID Self-Fitment Guide : How To Do It Yourself!

 

TNG RFID Will Finally Be Operational On PLUS Highway!

On 16 December 2021, the Malaysia Ministry of Works (KKR) announced that the TNG RFID system will be activated from 15 January 2022 onwards for Class 1 light vehicles from the Juru toll in Penang to the Skudai toll in Johor Bahru.

This is part of the Ministry’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) blueprint, which includes the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system.

With the RFID system enabled, motorists will be able to pass through RFID tolls at up to 30 km/h, with the convenience of automatic top-ups.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your RFID tag yet. PLUS highway tolls will still support Touch ‘n Go cards and SmartTAG. Support for these legacy payment methods will be gradually reduced to allow for more RFID lanes.

You can purchase the TNG RFID tags for RM 35 at these two official online stores :

Please buy only from the two official TNG RFID online stores above. We do NOT recommend buying from third-party stores, because they may not be authentic.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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WhatsApp Payments : How Does It Work?

WhatsApp just rolled out digital payments in Brazil! It is a good look at what could eventually be rolled out across the world – WhatsApp Payments!

 

WhatsApp Payments : What Is It?

On 16 June 2020, WhatsApp started rolling out digital payments to their users and businesses in Brazil.

By leveraging the recently-announced Facebook Pay, it allows WhatsApp users to send money, or pay for their purchases, directly through the app.

It also allows WhatsApp Business users to receive money or payments for their products or services.

 

WhatsApp Payments : Is That The Official Name?

They did not reveal an official name, calling it either digital payments on WhatsApp or simply payments on WhatsApp.

It could become WhatsApp Pay, like the recently-launched Facebook Pay, or Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Or it could be just Facebook Pay on WhatsApp.

But right now, for simplicity, we will use the placeholder name – WhatsApp Payments.

 

WhatsApp Payments : Cost + Limits

This is one of the first things people will want to know – is it FREE?

Well, it is free for WhatsApp users to send or receive money through WhatsApp, subject to these limits (for Brazil) :

  • Sending limit : 1000 BRL per transaction (approx. US$196 / £155 / S$272 / A$282 / RM 837)
  • Receiving limit : 20 transactions per day, or 5000 BRL per month (approx. US$977 / £775 / S$1361 / A$1412 / RM 4,181)

If you need to exceed that limit, you need to register for a WhatsApp Business account, which lets you accept unlimited payments, and credit card payments.

However, you will need to pay a flat 3.99% processing fee, irrespective of the payment sum.

In addition, WhatsApp insists that free transfers are strictly restricted to “personal transfers between friends and family”.

All businesses, even very small ones who do NOT exceed those limits, must also use WhatsApp Business and pay the 3.99% processing fee.

Otherwise, they risk the blocking of their personal account, if WhatsApp catches them receiving payments.

 

WhatsApp Payments : How Does It Work?

WhatsApp currently restricts access to their setup methods to users in Brazil, but from what we can tell – here is basically how WhatsApp Payments work.

Setting It Up The First Time

  1. Install WhatsApp and setup your WhatsApp account, if you have not already done so.
  2. Sign up for a Facebook Pay account, if you have not already done so.
  3. Create and verify your 6-digit Facebook Pay PIN.
  4. If you wish to use your fingerprint to authenticate payment, select the Use Fingerprint option.
  5. Key in your full legal first and last names and your CPF (identity card number)
  6. Add and verify at least one supported debit / debit-enabled combo card. You can add a credit card, but they can only be used to pay businesses.

To Make Payments On WhatsApp

  1. Open a chat with the person or business you wish to send money to.
  2. Tap the Attach (paperclip) icon, and select Payment.
  3. Key in the amount you wish to send.
  4. Authenticate the payment using the 6-digit Facebook Pay PIN or your fingerprint.
  5. The money will be transferred to the recipient, and you will both receive notifications in the chat window.

 

WhatsApp Payments : What Cards Are Supported?

Currently, WhatsApp will support these Visa / Mastercard debit or credit cards in Brazil :

  • Banco do Brasil
  • Nubank
  • Sicredi

 

WhatsApp Payments : How Secure Is It?

To assure everyone that their transactions are secure, WhatsApp listed these security and privacy steps :

  • Encryption between your phone and WhatsApp servers keeps your payment information secure.
  • Advanced data storage contains multiple layers of hardware and software protection.
  • Facebook Pay PIN protection and device biometrics adds extra security before sending money.
  • You can only send money from your WhatsApp account once you have provided the correct debit or credit card information and verified that you’re the authorized user.

 

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TNB During MCO : No Electricity Bill? Here’s How To Pay!

TNB employees will no longer read the meter or issue any electricity bill during the COVID-19 MCO, but you still need to pay your electricity bill!

Find out how much you need to pay TNB for your electricity usage during the COVID-19 MCO!

 

TNB Meter Reading + Bill Rendering : Stopped During MCO!

After the Movement Control Order (MCO) started, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) announced that they would stop these operations from 20 March 2020 until further notice :

  • on-premise meter reading, and
  • on-premise rendering of electricity bill

They also announced that :

  • you will be issued an estimated bill, based on your previous month’s consumption.
  • your bill will be adjusted only when they resume meter reading, after the MCO period ends.
  • during the MCO, TNB will not deliver any printed electricity bill to your premise.

You still need to pay your TNB electricity bill during the MCO / CMCO. Just because you don’t get your bill, doesn’t mean you get to stop paying.

 

Won’t TNB Resume Meter Reading + Bill Rendering During CMCO?

On 13 May 2020, TNB announced that they are resuming meter reading and bill rendering on a staggered basis, and only in green zone states :

  • Perlis
  • Penang
  • Kedah
  • Perak (except Sri Manjung)
  • Kelantan

That basically means they still won’t perform meter reading for most of the country during the Conditional MCO period.

 

How To Pay Your TNB Bill During MCO / CMCO?

There are three ways to handle your TNB electricity bill during the MCO / CMCO.

Option 1 : Pay The Estimated Bill

TNB mentioned that you will be issued an estimated bill, based on your last bill. If your last bill was RM 100, then your estimated bill during the MCO will be RM 100.

All you have to do is continue paying based on your last bill every month, as long as the Movement Control Order is in effect.

Just pay online through JomPAY using your online banking account.

Option 2 : Use TNB Express Payment

The easiest way to check your current bill and make payment is through myTNB.

Just key in your 12-digit TNB account number, and you will receive the current amount due.

You can pay up to RM 250 using a credit or debit card through Express Payment by clicking Next.

If you wish to pay more than RM 250 though, you will need to first register and log into myTNB.

Alternatively, you can pay through JomPAY using your online banking account.

Option 3 : Use myTNB App

The third option is to install and use the myTNB app, which is available as a free download on both Google Play Store and App Store :

    

Follow these steps to register and check your current TNB bill on the myTNB app :

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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THREE Fake CIMB Bank Call + SMS Scams!

Scammers are now targeting Malaysians with THREE fake CIMB Bank scams regarding online or credit card payments.

Please SHARE this scam alert with your family and friends, so they won’t get cheated!

 

THREE Fake CIMB Bank Call + SMS Scams!

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, many Malaysians are now purchasing more online, and paying for those purchases with their credit cards.

This has attracted scammers who are now targeting both online purchasers and credit card users. In these new scams, they are pretending to be CIMB Bank.

Scam #1 : Credit Card Payment Authorisation

In this scam, the scammers used an automated call system with the number +113818415.

After you accept the call, a pre-recorded message will ask you to verify that you have just charged RM XXXX to your credit card, with these options :

  • Press 1 to accept the charge to your credit card
  • Press 2 to speak to a CIMB bank officer

Needless to say, when you opt to speak to a bank officer (fearing that you are a victim of a hacking attempt), the scammer will now convince you to transfer your money from your bank account to the bank’s account for “safe keeping”.

There is no such thing. Banks will NEVER ask you to transfer money out of your account. If they suspect fraud, they can simply disable your credit card, and deny payment to the merchant.

Scam #2 : Outstanding Credit Card Debt

In a different version of the first scam, the automated call system used a mobile number – +6012-22452090.

This time, the pre-recorded message will inform you that you owe RM XXXX on your CIMB Bank credit card.

Again, you will be offered the opportunity to speak with a CIMB Bank officer – the scammer – who will try to convince you to pay the money into a different account, or give him / her your login details.

A real bank officer will NEVER ask you to transfer money to a different bank account, or request for your login details. If you have outstanding credit card debt, the bank will just charge you interest on it.

Scam #3 : Online Purchase Warning

Happening concurrently with the scam calls is this CIMB Bank SMS scam campaign.

You may receive something like this, which looks like a genuine SMS from CIMB Bank informing you about a charge to your credit card.

 

Of course, the mobile number – +6013-688-1813 is a dead giveaway for those who are alert. But at a glance, it looks genuine enough.

If you call the scam number – 1800-81-9767, you will be connected to the scammer, who will then try to convince you to transfer money from your bank account to a CIMB Bank account for “safe keeping”.

Just like in the first scam example, no bank will ever ask you to transfer money out of your own bank account. Even if they suspect fraud, they can simply lock your account.

And again, if they suspect your credit card has been misused, they can simply disable your credit card, and deny payment to the merchant.

 

Warn Everyone About Bank Scams!

Such scams, whether they are from CIMB Bank or any other bank, has the potential to cost the victim A LOT OF MONEY.

So please warn your family and friends about these scams. Share this article as widely as possible.

And if you receive a similar call, please report it to Maybank, Bank Negara and the police.

Here are different bank scams that you may want to be alert about :

 

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