Some ‘customer service’ jobs abroad are traps where people are forced to work in scam centres.
Malaysians have been lured overseas with offers of easy, well-paid jobs, then had their passports taken and been forced to work for scam syndicates. Families often only realise when contact stops.
What to do
- Verify the company properlyA real registered company, a real office address and a written contract you can check.
- Be wary of travel arranged through third countriesUnusual routes and ‘we will explain when you arrive’ are warning signs.
- Never hand over your passportKeep copies at home and share your travel details with family.
- Agree a daily check-in with familyA code word helps if you cannot speak freely.
- If contact stops, act immediatelyContact the police and Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the nearest Malaysian embassy.
When to call a professional: Worried about a family member abroad? We help trace and support families quickly. Missing Person & Tracing →
Not sure what to do next? Try the free Case Assessment — 3 minutes · private · no sign-up. See what you already have, what is missing, and the lawful next steps. Start the free assessment →
Emergency? Call 999. Scam in progress? Call the National Scam Response Centre at 997. This tip is general information, not legal advice.