Cases where money disappear from customer's account - it's not a scam but fraud - By Nik Zafri

Free AI Generated from Google Search 

Disclaimer: This short article is not intended to discredit or generalize all banking institutions. Its purpose is solely to raise awareness and help customers understand the possible risks, as well as the appropriate steps to take should such incidents occur. Responsible banking practices and customer vigilance are both essential in maintaining trust and security.

A bank is expected to serve as a secure and trustworthy place to safeguard one’s money. However, there have been troubling incidents where funds have mysteriously gone missing, not due to scams, but without any clear trace accessible to the customer. In several cases, it was discovered that the theft was committed by the bank’s own staff, representing a serious breach of trust and governance. Such incidents typically involve insider threats, manipulation of internal systems, or exploitation of security vulnerabilities. In response, the bank has taken steps to strengthen its internal controls, enhance staff screening processes, and upgrade its cybersecurity measures.

Not limited to the following, these are some possible fraud cases and how the theft is disguised.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES (many have been adopted by the Banks)

1. Strong Segregation of Duties

• Prevent the same employee from initiating and approving transactions,
• Implement dual or triple controls for sensitive operations.

2. Mandatory Audit Trails

• Ensure tamper-proof, automated, and real-time logging of all activities.
• Logs must be independently monitored.

3. Behavioral Monitoring and AI Alerts

Use AI tools to flag unusual employee behavior (e.g., accessing dormant accounts, frequent manual overrides).

4. Strict Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• Limit access to transaction systems based on job role,
• Regularly review access privileges.

5. Regular Reconciliation and Surprise Audits 

• Reconcile customer transactions with system logs daily,
• Conduct surprise audits on branches and back offices.

6. Customer Notification Systems

• Immediate SMS/email alerts for any withdrawal, transfer, or account update.
• Let customers flag unauthorized transactions promptly.

7. Whistleblower Mechanism

• Encourage staff to report suspicious activities anonymously,
• Ensure whistleblower protection.

8. Periodic Penetration Testing and System Audit

• Test the integrity of core banking systems regularly,
• Identify and patch security vulnerabilities.

Real-World Cases

• Employees created millions of unauthorized accounts to meet sales targets.
• Fraud of over $1.8 billion through unauthorized SWIFT transfers.
• Hackers transferred $12 million after gaining access to SWIFT credentials (with suspected insider collusion).

ACTION

If you're a customer suspecting theft, take the following actions:

• Report to the bank immediately in writing - detail the events as much as possible and attach any relevant documents
• File a police report and Bank Negara (if in Malaysia) - ditto - 

Keep all documentation and get written acknowledgement from the bank.

APPLICABLE LAWS/REGULATIONS

• Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) - Applies when the money was diverted and later laundered through businesses, banking channels, or cross-border transactions. (e.g. Section 4),
• Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act) - applies when there is report, suspicion and prove of abuse of power, bribery, or collusion by government or bank officers in the diversion of the money. (e.g. Section 23),
• Financial Services Act 2013 (FSA) - applies when the offense involves commercial banks or financial institutions regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
• Penal Code (Act 574)
• Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) - applies when digital systems or networks were used to commit or conceal the crime.

SPECIAL NOTE : UNIQUE CASES YOU MANY NOT KNOW - DESTROYED MONEY THAT IS NOT DESTROYED

it is possible, though extremely rare and difficult to execute, for currency that is meant to be destroyed (burnt, shredded, or withdrawn from circulation) to be illegally diverted and laundered instead. This would typically involve high-level corruption, insider collusion, and breakdowns in oversight within central banks or cash-handling agencies.

1. Currency Destruction Process Manipulation

• Central banks periodically remove old, damaged, or outdated notes from circulation,
• These notes are supposed to be counted, verified, logged, and destroyed (burned or shredded),
• Insiders could falsely record that the currency was destroyed, while actually diverting the physical notes.

2. Collusion Among Officials

This kind of fraud requires multiple layers of insider cooperation.

3. Laundering the “Destroyed” Money

The stolen, undeclared cash could then be laundered

PREVENTION

• Central Bank Controls,
• Serial number tracking of notes meant to be destroyed,
• CCTV surveillance and biometric access to high-security cash destruction zones.
• Random third-party inspections during destruction,
• Use of automated machines that count and shred notes without human contact,
• Auditing and Transparency,
• Real-time logging and cross-verification by independent departments,
• Forensic tracking of serial-number batches after destruction,
• Audit trails retained for a mandatory period, often years.

Real-World Examples (or Similar Cases)

• Some bank officers were caught trying to launder old currency meant to be surrendered and destroyed,
• Allegations arose of old bills being recirculated or exchanged on the black market.
• cases were reported of cash meant for destruction re-entering circulation via insider collusion.

Read More : 

Detecting Fraud in Banking and Financial Institutions

Private Placement Business Scam 

#BankFraudAwareness, #CustomerProtection, #FinancialIntegrity, #InsiderThreat, #TrustInBanking

A BRIEF ON HOW TO DETECT FRAUD IN BANKING AND FINANCIAL SECTORS - Nik Zafri

Please also read my other articles about money laundering and anti-corruption.

Detecting fraud is usually linked money laundering, and corruption in the banking and financial sectors is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the financial system. there are strategies and technologies need to be taken into account.

1. Fraud Detection

a. Transaction Monitoring Systems (TMS)

These systems analyze transaction patterns in real-time or near real-time to detect suspicious activities. They use predefined rules, statistical models, and machine learning algorithms to flag anomalies. This will enable banks to proactively detect and investigate suspicious activities, helping to prevent them from escalating into more significant financial crimes. By identifying and halting illegal transactions early, banks can avoid potential losses and reduce the risk of regulatory scrutiny.

b. Anomaly Detection (AI)

Machine learning techniques (AI), such as supervised and unsupervised learning, are employed to detect deviations from typical behavior. These methods can identify unusual patterns that may indicate fraud. Machine learning models has proven effective in detecting anomalies by identifying unusual patterns in vast datasets. These AI models continuously learn from transaction data, adapting to emerging fraudulent schemes in real-time.

c. Behavioural Analytics

Sometimes, a user behaviour can also indicate fraudulent activity. These include frequent login times, transaction types, and sometimes at different locations and mixture of transactions (frequent use of cash deposit machine with significantly large amounts at different locations and online transfers/interbank transfer) 

d. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Implementing MFA helps in preventing unauthorized access to banking systems, which is a common precursor to fraud. It can pose problems to the customers with too many authentications and verifications but it will protect both customers and bank from fraud and scamming. MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. Customers must provide two or more verification factors—such as something they know (a password), something they have (a smartphone or security token), or something they are (a fingerprint or facial recognition). This makes it much more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access, as even if they manage to obtain one factor, they would still need the additional factor(s) to successfully log in.

2. Money Laundering Detection (Anti-Money Laundering or AML)

a. Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

KYC involves verifying the identity of customers, while CDD involves ongoing monitoring of their transactions to help identify potentially suspicious behavior linked to money laundering.

b. Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)

Banks are required to file SARs for any transactions that they suspect may involve money laundering. These reports are then reviewed by financial regulatory authorities such as Bank Negara.

c. Risk-Based Approach

Financial institutions categorize customers and transactions based on their risk level. Higher-risk transactions are monitored more closely to detect potential money laundering.

d. Transaction Structuring Detection

Money launderers often structure transactions in small amounts to avoid detection. Advanced algorithms can detect patterns of structuring across multiple accounts or over time.

e. Beneficial Ownership Identification

It's essential to determine the true owners behind complex corporate structures, as money launderers often hide behind layers of corporate entities.

3. Corruption Detection

a. Conflict of Interest Checks

Regular audits and checks can help identify situations where employees or executives of the bank might have conflicts of interest, potentially leading to corrupt activities via specific client favoritisms.

b. Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management

Financial institutions should monitor and evaluate the integrity of vendors and third-party relationships to detect corrupt practices, such as bribery or kickbacks.

c. Whistleblower Programs

Encouraging employees to report corrupt activities internally through protected channels can lead to the early detection of corruption.

d. Internal Audits and Controls

Regular internal audits can identify weaknesses in financial controls that could be exploited for corrupt purposes.

4. Technology and Data Analytics

a. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

AI and ML are increasingly used to detect complex fraud, money laundering, and corruption schemes. These technologies can analyze large datasets and identify patterns that humans might miss.

b. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain’s transparency and immutability make it a powerful tool in preventing fraud and money laundering, especially in tracking the provenance of funds.

c. Big Data Analytics

Analyzing vast amounts of structured and unstructured data helps in identifying suspicious activities across different systems and jurisdictions.

d. Network Analysis

Analyzing relationships between different entities (e.g., customers, accounts, transactions) can reveal hidden connections that may indicate fraudulent or corrupt activity.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

a. Regulatory Technology 

Regulatory Technology help financial institutions comply with regulatory requirements by automating the monitoring, reporting, and auditing processes.

b. Continuous Training and Awareness

Financial institutions must regularly train their employees on the latest fraud, AML, and anti-corruption techniques and regulations to ensure vigilance and compliance.

c. Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Financial institutions often work closely with law enforcement agencies such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Security Commission, the Police (PDRM), Company Commission etc. to share information and intelligence, helping to detect and prevent illicit activities.

6. Challenges and Emerging Threats

a. Cyber Fraud

As banking becomes increasingly digital, cyber fraud (e.g., phishing, hacking) poses a significant threat. Institutions must continuously update their cybersecurity measures.

b. Cross-Border Transactions

Detecting fraud and money laundering in cross-border transactions is challenging due to differing regulations and the complexity of tracking funds across multiple jurisdictions.

c. Cryptocurrency Risks

The rise of cryptocurrencies presents new challenges for detecting money laundering, as these digital assets offer a degree of anonymity and are harder to trace.

Conclusion

Detecting fraud, money laundering, and corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that combines advanced technology, strict regulatory compliance, and robust internal controls. As threats evolve, financial institutions must stay ahead by adopting innovative detection methods and continuously improving their risk management strategies.

INSURANCE REPORTING PROCEDURE? (Malaysia)

Disclaimer : This brief article represents solely my personal research findings. I do not act as a representative of any mentioned party. The views expressed are strictly my own and do not represent those of the parties referenced herein. Additionally, I may not be updated with the latest insurance reporting procedures. Your input to rectify any inaccuracies in my research is greatly appreciated.

The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (“the Act”) came into force on 15.1.2001 is aimed at thwarting money laundering, terrorism financing, and the utilization of illicit funds. Reporting entities are mandated to disclose any dubious circumstances, as outlined in the Act, along with sector-specific directives or rules set forth by the Bank Negara Malaysia.

I am more interested to touch on Insurance Sector and how reporting is done.

Insurance fraud entails engaging in deceptive actions to achieve illegitimate gains within an insurance procedure. It happens when either the insurer or the claimant seeks to acquire benefits they are not rightfully entitled to, or when an insurer deliberately withholds benefits rightfully owed. 

Fraud like these adversely affects policyholders, resulting in millions of ringgits lost through elevated premiums and inflated prices for goods and services. Pinpointing the precise cost of insurance fraud proves challenging as a significant portion of instances remain undisclosed.

Examples of insurance fraud that may involve the claimant and/or be known to insurer officials include:

a. Fabricating Claims - Orchestrating staged accidents, such as fake "oil spillage" incidents or chain collisions, to gain possession of the vehicle(s) for repairs.

b. Exaggerating Loss Amounts - Submitting inflated claims where the severity of damage or injuries sustained in a legitimate accident is overstated.

c. Providing False Information for Compensation - Presenting inflated or "padded" claims where the extent of damage or injuries sustained in a genuine accident is misrepresented.

Quoting 14A. (1) of Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism, Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUA) 2001 :

Any person who knows or has reason to suspect that a reporting institution is proposing to report, is reporting or has lodged a report under section 14 or is proposing to provide, is providing or has provided any other related information to the competent authority and discloses such knowledge, suspicion or information to any other person commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding three million ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.

In this context :

•            Any person        : claimant/insurer officials,

•            Reporting Institution: Insurance Company,

•            Competent Authority: Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM)

The competent authority duly authorized by BNM for reporting fraud is Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM).

However, I noticed some limitations:

Possible ambiguity regarding whether compliance officials (or a member of general public) can utilize the same form (FRCF) to report against another officials - if so, will it reach BNM or any other authority (will such insurance compliance official be protected under the Witness Protection Act 2009 (Act 696),

The general reporting period allocated is six (6) months but clarity is potentially lacking on other types of cases,

Unresolved issues can be reported to either the Ombudsman for Financial Services (OFS) or BNM. 

Nevertheless, there appear to be limitations on BNM side in handling complaints of misconduct, which may not be consistent with Section 14 (A) of AMLATFPUA.

The reporting procedure by other institutions such as Banking and Financial Institutions are generally clear, but there appear to be "some exceptions" regarding reporting insurance incidents, which I consider vague, especially concerning officials reporting misconduct against another official.

If these are valid concerns - there's a need for improvement to ensure that there are no restrictions on disclosing reports directly to Bank Negara Malaysia, aside from PIAM or OFS.

READY TO GET A LOAN OR FINANCE FROM BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS?

Getting a loan or financing from banking and financial institutions can indeed be challenging, especially if you're a small business or an individual with less-than-ideal credit history. Yes, there are many reasons why it can be difficult and some tips on how to improve your chances of getting attention from lenders. Here's a simple checklist.

1. Creditworthiness

Many may not be aware that banks and financial institutions in Malaysia nowadays will assess your creditworthiness before approving a loan. If you have a poor credit score or limited credit history, it can be harder to secure financing. The following might be strange to some but believe me they are related in improving your creditworthiness.

a) work on paying bills on time - try not to get blacklisted anywhere,

b) reducing outstanding debt - loans - automobile, office equipment, personal, housing etc.

Sometimes credit report may not be up-to-date, thus you may want to take extra effort to correct any errors or non-updated information.

2. Income and Stability

Lenders want assurance that you'll be able to repay the loan. If you have irregular income or unstable employment, it can raise concerns for lenders. Providing proof of steady income and employment history can help mitigate these concerns. Should you have any other sources of income apart from your regular salary or from your business, it may help.

3. Collateral

Many loans require collateral, such as real estate or valuable assets, to secure the loan. If you lack sufficient collateral, it can make it harder to qualify for certain types of financing. Consider building up assets that you can use as collateral or exploring alternatives such as unsecured personal loans.

4. Business Plan

If you're seeking financing for a business, having a well-thought-out business plan can make a big difference. A comprehensive business plan demonstrates to lenders that you have a clear vision for your business and a strategy for achieving success. Make sure to include financial projections, market analysis, and information about your management team.

Full sets of projected accounts must display a certain logical business flow, viability, feasibility etc.

If necessary include gearing ratio. (Financial ratio that compares some form of capital or owner equity to funds borrowed by the company) Gearing is a measurement of a company's financial leverage. As such, the gearing ratio is one of the most popular methods of evaluating a company's financial fitness.

5. Relationship with the Lender

Building a relationship with a lender can improve your chances of getting attention when applying for a loan. Consider establishing a relationship with a bank or credit union where you regularly conduct your financial transactions. Meeting with a loan officer in person can also help personalize the process and showcase your commitment.

6. Shop Around

Don't limit yourself to just one lender. Shop around and compare loan offers from multiple banks and financial institutions. Each lender may have different criteria and terms, so exploring your options can increase your chances of finding a suitable loan.

7. Prepare Documentation

Be prepared to provide all necessary documentation requested by the lender. This may include proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, business financials, and personal identification. Having all your documentation in order can streamline the application process and demonstrate your readiness.

8. Improve Financial Health

Take steps to improve your overall financial health. This can include reducing debt, increasing savings, and improving your credit score. Lenders are more likely to extend credit to individuals and businesses with strong financial profiles.

By addressing the abovementioned factors and presenting yourself as a reliable borrower, your chances may increase in getting attention from lenders and securing the financing you need.

Good luck

THE ASEAN FINANCIAL INNOVATION SUMMIT 2024

Day 1 and 2 of the ASEAN Financial Innovation Summit organized by CT Asia took place at the M Star Hotel and Resorts. The event provided valuable insights as I listened to esteemed financial, technical, and governance experts, both local and international, discussing topics ranging from the future of Accounting, Banking, ESG, ERP, International Trade, to the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence.

I extend my gratitude to the Women in Governance and Technology Association of Malaysia (WIGTA) one of the VIP delegates, support partners, and exhibitors for the invitation to this remarkable gathering.

Throughout the summit, I had the opportunity to connect with knowledgeable delegates and speakers from around the world, fostering potential future business opportunities.

Additionally, participation in the event will yield certification and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) points.

FALSAFAH PERNIAGAAN - SOALJAWAB MENGENAI PENGURUSAN KEWANGAN - BERSAMA NIK ZAFRI

Salam Tuan Nik,

Soalan berkaitan dengan falsafah perniagaan. Saya pernah jumpa satu teori atau method dalam pengurusan perniagaan yang menyatakan bahawa "pengurusan perniagaan itu adalah pengurusan RM (ringgit malaysia) dan MASA (time). keberuntungan perniagaan itu bergantung kepada kecekapan usahawan itu mengurus RM dan MASA secara berkesan"

Saya ingin mendapat pandangan Tuan Nik terhadap pernyataan di atas.

Jika boleh, Tuan Nik tolong berikan panduan bagaimanakah yang dikatakan mengurus RM dan MASA yang berkesan.

Ini kerana seringkali kita dapati ada usahawan yang mengalami masalah kekurangan modal kerja dalam menjalankan perniagaannya. Malah ada juga usahawan yang gagal memenuhi pesanan pelanggan dalam tempoh ditetapkan.

Diharapkan Tuan Nik dapat memberi panduan bagaimana nak mula mengurus RM dan MASA ini, aspek kawalan yang boleh diamalkan serta bagaimana nak mengukur keberkesanan pengurusan RM dan MASA yang telah dijalankan.

Jawapan

Salam saudara

Sebenarnya saudara merujuk kepada Time Value of Money.

Ianya bukanlah satu falsafah perniagaan tetapi suatu disiplin yang agak piawai terutamanya pada perniagaan yang melibatkan kewangan/perbankan - namun boleh juga digunakan (di mana berkenaan) pada mana-mana bentuk perniagaan sekalipun.

Kalau nak bercakap pasal ni..aduh..panjang ler...lagipun saya lebih mudah memahami dan menerangkan dalam Bahasa Inggeris. Antara lain sila rujuk artikel dari Wiki

Ini adalah formula yang hampir sama saya gunakan. Maaflah, bukan tak nak jawab - tapi sukar nak 'translate'.

Sebenarnya topik ini sangat kompleks lebih-lebih lagi apabila kita mengaitkannya dengan pengurusan masa. Topik pengurusan masa ini bergantung kepada persekitaran kita umpamanya (sekadar menyebut beberapa contoh) Semasa bekerja dan selepas persaraan, Pengurusan Projek Pengurusan Perniagaan dll. Ianya juga bergantung di atas suasana ekonomi semasa.

Berikut adalah sebab-sebab antara kenapa perancangan wang kita gagal (terutamanya di Malaysia) tidak kira samada entiti itu sebuah syarikat atau sebuah keluarga atau individu

Kita kadangkala tidak merancang perbelanjaan dengan betul dan akhirnya kita sering bertanya "Ke mana perginya wang yang kita ada?" kerana rasa sepertinya 'wang itu seperti air mengalir' sentiasa kehabisan. :

1) Keutamaan perbelanjaan - apakah perbelanjaan yang biasa dilakukan - apakah sasaran jangkapanjang dan jangkapendek - sentiasa menyemak perbelanjaan dan tidak berbelanja atas barangan/perkara yang tidak diperlukan.

2) Tiada simpanan atau rizab - kalau nak dikira setiap entiti perlu ada sekurang-kurangnya 30-50% daripada pendapatan/keuntungan tahunan (bergantung kepada kes)

Caranya ialah mempunyai tabiat yang baik dalam perbelanjaan. Ini akan membantu kos kontigensi atau semasa kita kecemasan. Margin simpanan ini penting kerana ianya akan memberikan rasa selamat dan jiwa yang tenang.

3) Terlalu banyak hutang - walaupun kredit diakui dapat membantu kita semasa kecemasan (bergantung kepada cara kita menggunakannya) tetapi kredit juga boleh menjatuhkan seseorang atau sebuah organisasi menjadi terikat kepada pembayaran yang tinggi walaupun secara berperingkat. Jika terlepas satu atau dua bayaran, kemungkinan boleh membawa kepada kemuflisan.

4) Bonus, pulangan dsb. - jika mendapat pulangan cukai, atau mendapat bonus atau kenaikan gaji atau mungkin mewarisi harta, kebanyakan dari kita atau syarikat suka membelanjakan wang secara mewah dan akhirnya duit sebanyak mana pun boleh kehabisan.

5) Tiada perancangan 'overhead' - ini juga antara sebab terbesar apabila mengabaikan

a) pembayaran 'installment' tidak kira apa juga aset - tambahan pula kos penyelenggaraan untuk aset-aset ini juga tidak diambilkira, (jika kos penyelenggaraan diabaikan, besar kemungkinan aset kita akan cepat rosak dan akhirnya kos pembaikan malah susutnilai juga sangat tinggi - di sinilah kita akan mengalami kerugian), selain itu - pembayaran bil air, elektrik dll juga perlu diambilkira.

Saya pernah melihat beberapa organisasi yang sengaja melambat-lambatkan pembayaran gaji atau 'progress payment' samada untuk 'rolling' dahulu (ini kira ok la gak) atau lebih teruk, ambil dulu - tutup 'lubang lain'.

Ini juga berkaitan dengan penstrukturan kredit (Debt Restructuring)- bukan sahaja organisasi malah individu.

6) 'Nett & Gross' - kadangkala kita tidak terfikir bahawa 'bersih' dan 'kasar' adalah berbeza. Kita sering terfikir yang besar (gross) dan akhirnya kita hanya mendapat tersangat kurang dari nilai yang kita harap-harapkan.

Walaupun kita bukan akauntan sekalipun, kita perlu juga tahu asas perakaunan.

Jika kita bakal mendapat wang bayaran dsb., kira dahulu apa yang perlu dibayar (payable) - contohnya hutang/kredit/installment dsb., malah saya sendiri pun mengira caj bank ke atas contohnya cek outstation, pemindahan wang menggunakan sistem perbankan talian atau ATM, dll., kadar faedah pinjaman atau gadaian dsb. (mortgage & leasing), liabiliti dll., gaji pekerja/kakitangan dll.

Inilah yang bahayanya - kita rasa kita akan dapat RM1 juta, tetapi sebenarnya selepas ditolak, sebenarnya bahagian kita hanyalah RM500,000.00

7) Sikap tidak sabar menanti - perkara ini berlaku kerana terpengaruh dengan rakan-rakan, organisasi yang bersaing dengan kita, iklan media dll.