Don’t Become a Victim of Work-from-Home Scams
- By CompareHero.my
- July 27, 2017
If it sounds too good to be true then most times, it is. This is one of the red flags of a scam and you should listen to your instinct if alarm bells start to ring. Scams usually promise their victims a large financial gain for minimal work or effort. But there are many other tricks they use to deceive you, which I suggest you read more about here.
Why should you care about online scams?
Because a 2016 survey by Telenor Group revealed that Malaysians are most vulnerable and most likely to fall for Internet scams. It’s a reputation that we rather not have. Singapore, Thailand, and India were among the other countries surveyed, but Malaysia came up top with 46% respondents admitting to being a victim.
The top three scams that Malaysians fall victim to are:
- Work-from-home scams (30%)
- Internet auction scams (22%)
- Online dating scams (20%)
Source: The Star
Even more concerning is the fact that 6-in-10 have suffered financial loss averaging about RM7,050 per person.
With the number of online users growing in Malaysia, this is a serious concern and one that you need to avoid happening to yourself. We spend most of our days online, and in fact, shop online more than ever too! Be vigilant and keep yourself informed of the latest scams.
What does a work-from-home scam look like?
Now that you understand you can lose money to these online scams, it’s important to be able to identify what a scam looks like. There are plenty of legit job postings online, especially the ones through credible sites like Jobstreet.com, but you will need to be a cynic with the job postings that sound a little dodgy.
Let’s take a look at the red flags of the leading online scam: the work-from-home job postings.
Image source: Vulcan Post
You will be asked to make an upfront payment
This has to be the most critical red flag because it is the point where you stand to lose money.
Have you ever heard of a job posting that requires you to make an upfront payment before more details of the job are shared? Sounds silly, right?
If a company is hiring, they will usually release as much information as possible for FREE to attract the right people to apply for the position. You usually never have to make a payment.
Well, these online scams will ask you to make a deposit into an account before they release more details of the job to you. They will claim that the money will be used to help them start the business or as an admin fee to create your account and set-up the tools needed for your job.
They will not advertise the upfront payment because that might immediately put people off from applying, but once you get in contact with them, the demand for money will begin.
Lesson: Just say no and walk away. Do not transfer any money.
It sounds like the perfect job
And yet, you wonder why everyone else doesn’t just work from home? Why isn’t everyone cashing in on this lucrative career?
Because once again, if it sounds too good to be true then it is too good to be true.
Look out for these phrases that come with too many exclamation marks:
“work from anywhere!!!”
“Flexible hours!!!”
“set your own schedule!!!”
“super simple job!!!”
“No prior experience necessary!!!”
“earn RM500 – RM1,000 WEEKLY!!!”
This usually is accompanied by a very extremely happy person who has plenty of cash, or even a picture of a stack of cash to entice you.
See what we mean?
Lesson: The ads will promise you high financial gain for minimal work or effort. Nothing good in life ever comes that easy.
When you ask for details, they keep it vague or make it difficult
For research purposes, I messaged a few of these admins about the job postings via Facebook Messenger.
One user replied and asked that I join her online training but I would not be required to pay an upfront fee. I asked if any fees would need to be made after the training, to which she responded: “Are you interested in joining our online training?”. There was no direct answer to my question.
A second user would refuse to reply to any of my queries and instead requested that I email him. By emailing him, I actually place myself at risk to be hacked, or he might even use it as an opportunity to phish for sensitive details from me.
Phishing is an email that is designed to appear from a credible or trusted company. Its aim is to gather sensitive details from you, such as your credit card information or banking account details. Be careful when giving out your email address to suspicious individuals! And if you have given your email address, delete their email as soon as it enters your inbox. Do not open it.
These scammers will never be able to give you clear, transparent and direct answers. They will beat around the bush, or they will avoid your question entirely.
Lesson: If they haven’t answered your questions directly, or can’t give you assurance to appease your doubts, do not accept the job. Do not give out your email address.
Easy money is always a bad idea
Times may be hard and many of us struggle to have any savings with a single income source. However, there are always legitimate ways to earn money and if a job posting is offering you a weekly or monthly income for typing or stamping envelopes, this is just too easy to be true.
Some of these online scams will also ask you to invite your friends and other people to join and only after you have invited 3 people, for instance, you will receive your salary. This is exactly how a Ponzi scheme works. You pay to enter the scheme, and then your salary or profit is split between you and your new recruit, and it continues. Some of you might think this causes no harm, but each of us has a responsibility to ensure we do not keep these scams alive.
Most of these job postings will target working mum’s or young students because they are most hungry for instant income with minimal effort. Mother’s don’t have the luxury of time to leave their kids at home, and if they can earn income by keying in data or typing a few hours every week, that sounds great, doesn’t it? Similarly, with young students who wouldn’t have the experience for a high-paying job, this is a great solution. No prior experience needed, so why not?
Lesson: Understand that these scams know you very well. They know what will motivate. Be aware and do not fall for their tricks!
Top five ways to prevent being scammed online
Telenor Group also shared the most frequently used methods to reduce your risks of becoming a victim, which are:
- Delete suspicious and untrustworthy emails.
• Ignore advertisements that appear “too good to be true.”
• Update your anti-malware software.
• Do online research about scams.
• Share knowledge and preventative tips with friends and family through social media to help kill the cycle.
Protect yourself even further by reading these articles on scams:
- How To Get Your Money Back From Financial Scams
- 7 Money Sucking Scams Malaysians Keep Falling For
- Don’t Fall For MLM Scams, Listen to Our Interview With BFM Radio
- Online Scams in Malaysia You Need To Know About
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Get Red-Carpet Treatment with Premier Banking Privileges
- By CompareHero.my
- July 21, 2017
We’ve all seen it. The exclusive Premier or Priority Banking lounge for the elite banking customers, credit cards that come in a sleek black colour or that are made of metal (check out OCBC’s Premier Voyage card), and the personalised service from banking staff and Relationship Managers (RM).
Of course, we all want what we can’t have. But just how far out of reach is premier or priority banking in Malaysia?
Contents
Becoming a Premier or Priority Banking Customer
You need a minimum amount of deposits and investments. And we’re talking about hundreds of thousands which can range between RM200,000 to RM300,000. For instance, you can have RM150,000 in savings and RM50,000 in investments, which would bring your total to RM200,000 making you eligible as a premier or priority banking customer. Some banks, like HSBC, also take into account your mortgage loan which must be a minimum of RM1 million or even your monthly income which must be at least RM16,500 into your HSBC account monthly.
You are invited to join the club. You might be one of the lucky selected ones who are invited to hold a premium credit card or be a premier banking customer. Some credit cards are available on an invite-only basis so you cannot apply for them. How do you get invited? We’re not sure, but each bank would have their own requirements and eligibility criteria.
You receive a recommendation. A friend of business partner might put in a good word for you with the Premier Banking management, which might help get your foot in the door. However, the approval is again at the discretion of the bank.
The Luxuries of Premier or Priority Banking
What exactly are the benefits and privileges that premier banking customers are entitled to?
Personalised Service with a Dedicated Relationship Manager
Each customer has their very own Relationship Manager (RM) who assists with servicing the account and all requests that the customer may have. It’s professional and personal attention to your every need. Over the years, this relationship will deepen and you’ll find the service offered will be tailored to your needs, and in fact, anticipatory of your needs at times.
Wealth Management and Market Insights
You can also gain wealth insights from the Bank’s team of to guide you through your investment journey, helping you build your wealth throughout every life stage. These are insights that are tailored to your needs, so it’s as if you have a personal consultant. They will help you achieve your financial goals through informed decision-making and advice. They help you work out your long-term financial goals such as saving up for your children’s education or preparing for your retirement to ensure you enjoy a quality lifestyle while also taking into account your risk profile.
Preferential Treatment
It gets better. Most premier or priority banking customers also enjoy lower interest rates, fee waivers, faster processing times of their applications and credit facilities, and priority service when they walk into any branch of the network. This means they get to skip queues and avoid waiting for their number to be called like the rest of us common folk.
Exclusive Lifestyle Privileges and Exclusive Events
Lifestyle privileges are some of the best for Premier or Priority banking customers. Throughout the year, Banks host a series of exclusive private events or are sponsors of the events. Much of these events include exclusive or early previews of properties, test-drive events of luxury cars, fine dining, major sporting events including golf, cocktail evenings with the social elite, and more. But that’s not all. There is access to airport lounges around the world, pre-launch property previews, and exclusive shopping, dining, holiday and other lifestyle offers from the bank’s merchant partners.
Regional and Global Network Access
Once you’re a Premier or Priority banking customer, means that you will be attended to with personal attention at any of the Bank’s regional or global branches. The banks often understand a customer’s need for international services, so the personalised attention you receive is not limited to the country your bank account is set up in.
How do banks make money from Premier or Priority Banking?
Well, it’s clearly in the bank’s best interest to have as many cash rich accounts as possible. High net worth individuals mean more business with the bank and gives the bank more money to continue their operations and service for all customers.
It’s also in the bank’s best interest to point their premier or priority banking customers towards the next best investments that will generate better returns. And being in the industry, banks are best equipped with their team of wealth managers to advise their customers. It’s an unparalleled service. If these customers generate better returns, it’s again more business for the bank and more money to continue operations.
It also benefits the customer’s so it’s ultimately a situation that benefits both the banks and the customers!
So, if you have your eye on the red-carpet treatment, ensure you have enough savings and investments in your account. Savings and investment never hurt anyone, this might be the motivation you need to kick-start your financial journey towards becoming a Premier or Priority banking customer!
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10% Cashback for Dining, Grocery, Petrol & Grab spend
No minimum Cashback accumulation |
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想要更快存到AirAsia BIG Points来换取免费机票吗？赶快申请这四张信用卡吧！
- By CompareHero.my
- July 20, 2017
如果您经常出国旅行或办公，相信对AirAsia BIG Points这个会员计划非常熟悉。通过收取亚航BIG积分，您不止可以获得航班优惠，优先优惠销售与通知并且可以享有BIG点交易来换取免费机票。收集BIG Points的方法， 除了与亚航购买机票外，另一个方式是通过合作伙伴信用卡来换取BIG Points。 (more…)
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5 Langkah Mudah Untuk Bina Simpanan
- By CompareHero.my
Sama ada anda ingin mengejar target simpanan atau ingin tip bagaimana untuk mula menyimpan duit, anda ditempat yang betul. Ikuti cara-cara mudah yang kami kongsikan untuk bina simpanan anda.
Tahukah anda, sejak 2016 lagi, keadaan ekonomi global berada dalam situasi yang mencabar. Kadar inflasi di Malaysia meningkat pada Januari ke 3.5%, iaitu kadar inflasi tertinggak di untuk negara ini dalam tempoh 2 tahun.
Oleh itu, sekarang bukan masa untuk berbelanja sewenang-wenangnya, dan lebih baik untuk anda pegang pada wang anda. Tetapi, pastikan wang anda mampu ‘bekerja’ untuk anda dan menghasilkan pulangan.
Tidak tahu strategi untuk memulakan simpanan wang yang boleh berkembang? Ikuti tip dibawah supaya anda boleh memulakan perjalanan kearah simpanan wang yang menguntungkan.
Contents
Bijak dalam Melabur
Jika anda baru bermula, tindakan yang bijak ialah untuk anda melaburkan duit anda ke pelaburan pasif. Mengapa secara pasif? Ini kerana pelaburan jenis tersebut berisiko rendah, oleh itu anda akan kurangkan risiko untuk kerugian. Benar, dividen dan pulangan yang ditawarkan juga akan lebih rendah berbanding pelaburan lain yang memberikan pulangan tinggi. Namun ingat, pelaburan yang memberikan pulangan yang tinggi juga mempunyai risiko yang lebih tinggi.
Jadi lebih baik untuk anda tidak terlibat dalam pelaburan berisiko tinggi, terutama dengan keadaan ekonomi sekarang yang tidak menentu. Ambil langkah selamat dan bertindak dengan bijak sebelum melaburkan wang anda. Antara panduan untuk pelaburan ialah untuk pastikan jenis pelaburan yang anda pilih akan memberikan pulangan yang sekurang-kurangya sama dengan kadar inflasi semasa. Tetapi, lebih baik jika anda melaburkan wang pada pelaburan yang akan memberikan pulangan lebih tinggi dari kadar inflasi semasa.
Tetapkan Matlamat yang Boleh Diukur
Matlamat yang boleh diukur lebih mudah untuk diurus. Dan sebahagian dari usaha untuk membina simpanan anda ialah pengurusan kewangan yang betul. Jadi, sebelum anda menyimpan, mulakan rekod perbelanjaan harian. Selepas anda telah tetapan perbelanjaan wajib anda setiap bulan, lihat pula pada jenis perbelanjaan yang boleh dikurangkan atau dibuang terus.
Mula dengan Jumlah Kecil
Permulaan untuk setiap perjalanan bermula dengan satu langkah, oleh itu jangan gopoh dengan memulakan simpanan dengan jumlah yang besar. Mulakan dengan jumlah yang kecil supaya untuk sesuaikan diri anda dengan tabiat menyimpan. Anda boleh mulakan dengan jumlah simpanan yang realistik pada kadar mingguan. Selepas anda biasa dengan tabiat menyimpan, anda boleh tingkatkan jumlah simpanan anda. Yang penting, anda bermula tabiat menyimpan tersebut.
Letak Motivasi Anda Ditempat Jelas
Pepatah Inggeris menyatakan, “out of sight means out of mind.” Kebiasaanya, setiap individu mempunyai sebab tersendiri untuk menyimpan wang, dan biasanya terdapat beberapa sebab. Mungkin anda ingin menyimpan wang untuk bayar wang pendahuluan untuk beli rumah, atau untuk pastikan anda mempunyai hidup selesa lepas bersara. Apa pun tujuan anda menyimpan, letakkan matlamat itu dimana anda boleh lihat untuk dijadikan motivasi.
Kekalkan Disiplin
Disiplin dan dedikasi penting dalam menyimpan wang kerana ia merupakan usaha yang berterusan. Jika anda serious dalam menyimpan wang, anda perlu kurang atau lebih baik, berhenti berbelanja untuk perbelanjaan yang tidak penting. Sebagai contoh, melainkan telefon anda rosak teruk dan tidak boleh digunakan lagi, ada tidak perlu menukar telefon bimbit tersebut ke edisi terkini. Ingat, memiliki wang simpanan lebih baik memiliki gajet atau telefon bimbit terkini. Tetapi, jangan pula terlalu tegas. Ini kerana jika anda terlalu ekstrim dalam menyimpan, anda mungkin akan rugi dan tidak menikmati kehidupan.
Anda sudah bersedia dan bersemangat untuk mula menyimpan? Kami telah senaraikan akaun simpanan terbaik di Malaysia dibawah:
Maybank2u Savers
Nikmati akaun simpanan dengan kadar feadah yang tinggi, dan kemudahan semua urusan akaun anda yang boleh diakses dihujung jari secara online. Anda boleh memuat turun penyata tidak kira dimana anda berada melalui laman web Maybank2u.com. Akaun simpanan ini juga dibawah perlindungan insurans PIDM, jadi anda tidak perlu risau tentang keselamatan wang simpanan anda.
Untuk membuka akaun ini, deposit RM250 diperlukan, dan baki minima RM250 perlu dikekalkan dalam akaun tersebut. Untuk menikmati kadar faedah pula, anda perlu pastikan baki akaun simpanan berada sekurang-kurangnya RM2,000.
| Maybank2u Savers | ||||
| Jumlah Simpanan | Kadar Faedah (setahun) | Kadar Faedah Efektif (setahun) | ||
RM2,000 – RM50,000 | 2.25% | 2.27% | ||
RM2,000 – RM50,000 | 2.45% | 2.48% | ||
Akaun simpanan ini turut menawarkan versi Islamik, iaitu Maybank2u Savers– i.
Hong Leong Premium Saving Account
Akaun simpanan ini sesuai jika anda tidak mahu terikat pada komitmen. Akaun simpanan ini memberikan kemudahan dan insentif untuk anda mendapatkan lebih pulangan dari kadar faedah. Pada masa yang sama, akaun ini juga memberikan kebebasan untuk anda pilih tempoh simpanan dari 31 hingga 179 hari. Tetapi, jika anda mengeluarkan wang simpanan dalam tempoh 15 hari selepas anda mendepositkan wang dalam akaun tersebut, faedah tidak akan dibayar. Selepas 15 hari tersebut, faedah akan dibayar berdasar kadar tersebut:
| Hong Leong Premium Saving Account | ||||
| Tempoh Simpanan | Kadar Faedah (setahun) | |||
| 31 – 90 hari | 0.75% | |||
| 91 – 150 hari | 0.80% | |||
151 – 179 hari | 0.85% | |||
Ingat, anda perlu deposit sekurang-kurangnya RM10,000, dan pastikan baki minima akaun tersebut sebanyak RM10,000.
OCBC Smart Savers
Dapatkan ganjaran apabila anda menyimpan dengan tekun. Dengan kadar deposit serendah RM200, dan baki minima yang diperlukan dalam akaun hanya RM20, anda boleh menikmati faedah setinggi 3.05%.
| OCBC Smart Savers | ||||
| Jumlah deposit setiap bulan | Jumlah faedah jika tiada pengeluaran (setahun) | Jumlah faedah jika pengeluaran dilakukan (setahun) | ||
| RM0 – RM49.99 | 2.55% | 0.50% | ||
| RM50 – RM999.99 | 2.90% | 0.50% | ||
| RM1,000 dan keatas | 3.05% | 0.50% | ||
Jika anda lihat, akaun simpanan ini menawarkan ganjaran yang lebih tinggi sekiranya anda sabar. Oleh itu, untuk dapatkan pulangan kadar faedah yang lebih tinggi jangan keluarkan wang simpanan dari akaun sehingga tempoh kematangan simpanan tersebut.
Sama ada anda ingin amalkan satu cadangan diatas, ataupun kesemuanya, kami yakin anda akan berterima kasih pada diri sendiri dengan simpanan dan status kewangan yang stabil di masa hadapan. Anda akan lega kerana anda stabil dari segi kewangan, jadi kekalkan disiplin anda kerana ia akan berbaloi!
Mulakan tabiat simpanan anda dengan memastikan anda gunakan kad kredit yang terbaik untuk gaya hidup anda. Anda tiada kad kredit? Bandingkan kad kredit secara percuma di CompareHero.my dan mohon kad kredit yang sesuai untuk anda yang menawarkan rebat tunai untuk menjimatkan perbelanjaan.
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Disclaimer: Neither CompareHero.my nor the content on it is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. The content on CompareHero.my is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be personalised investment advice or a solicitation for the purchase or sale of securities.
Compargo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and/or its affiliates cannot and do not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. CompareHero.my may receive compensation from the brands or services mentioned on this website.
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Travel on A Budget to These 7 Asian Destinations
- By CompareHero.my
- July 19, 2017
Want to go for a holiday, but feeling the pinch of our weakened currency? Here are 7 travel destinations within Asia that will give you the most bang for your buck, despite the current economic condition. (more…)
