KUCHING, Sept 30: Banks must step up their security on their current banking systems for the benefit of their customers, says special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chief Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong.
This is particularly so when banks are asking all customers to adopt internet banking instead of the conventional over-the-counter banking.
According to Kong, there has been yet another victim of unauthorised online transactions.
“Miss Amy is another victim of another online transaction fraud case. She recently realised that there were unauthorised transactions in her personal savings account (Bank A) and immediately went to the police station to lodge a report.
“Shortly after that, she realised that there were unauthorised transactions on her credit card (issued by Bank B).
“With that, she also lodged another police report about the unauthorised transactions on her credit card. What is peculiar about her situation with Bank B was that a few ‘cash advances’ were made and transferred from her credit card to her current account (also with Bank B).
“From there, all the money from her current account was transferred to third-party accounts in other banks,” said Kong in a statement today.
Kong said Amy approached both Bank A and Bank B about her situation.
Since then, Bank A had refunded her the money which was transferred out of her account. However, Bank B had refused to entertain her complaint and continues to claim for the ‘cash advances’ which were charged to her credit card.
“This is totally unacceptable because there is evidence to show that these transactions were not done by her,” said Kong who brought Amy to the police station to lodge another police report and furnished the authorities with all the documents that show the money trail.
“It is hoped that an investigation is carried out to find the people behind this syndicate. At the same time, I will be assisting Miss Amy to file a claim with the Ombudsman for Financial Services,” said Kong.
Kong said scams and unauthorised banking transactions have been on the rise these days and it is incumbent on the banks to improve security.
“Bank Negara Malaysia should also be taking proactive steps to push for better governance from the banks,” said Kong.— DayakDaily
