KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): With the rising number of investment scams, Bursa Malaysia Bhd is advising the public to be alert and cautious before investing their hard-earned savings in any investment schemes and activities.

The exchange reminded the public to invest with licensed parties only.

“The exchange has observed a growing number of cases where the Bursa Malaysia name and corporate logo are being misused for marketing purposes by unscrupulous companies and websites,” said Bursa Malaysia in a statement today.

Noting that such activities often come in the guise of attractive investment returns or opportunities, the regulator said these scams are often through unsolicited letters purported to come from Bursa Malaysia or its subsidiaries, and marketing-related e-mails and postings on various social media platforms, carrying the Bursa Malaysia name and logo.

Bursa Malaysia said recipients are often asked to click on links leading to false websites or scam phone numbers.

The exchange also warned the public not to make any payments without being certain the transaction is legitimate.

Furthermore, the public should not provide any personal information or data to strangers, to not reply to suspicious e-mails or text messages, or contact the sender or to not open suspicious website links or attachments which can potentially harm your computer or mobile devices with a virus, it added.