Stay safe when you deal on LokalGig

How to Verify Before You Deal

Whether you’re hiring or getting hired, take a few minutes to verify who you’re dealing with.

• Do a quick video call before committing to any project — 5 minutes can save you thousands.
• Check their profile, reviews, portfolio links, and LinkedIn. Look for verified profiles with genuine feedback history.
• Ask for references from previous clients.
• Start with a smaller test project before committing to large or long-term engagements with someone new.
• Use PDRM’s Semak Mule portal to check whether a bank account or phone number has been flagged for fraud before sending money.

Payment Best Practices

• Use milestone-based payments — pay per deliverable, not the full amount upfront to someone you haven’t worked with.
• Agree on scope, timeline, deliverables, number of revisions, and price in writing before starting. A clear written agreement prevents disputes.
• Break large projects into smaller milestones so payment is released progressively as each stage is completed.
• Use trusted Malaysian payment channels — FPX and DuitNow are regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and use bank-grade encryption.
• Beware of overpayment scams: someone sends a payment that “accidentally” overpays, then asks you to refund the excess. The original payment later bounces.
• Keep all payment receipts and transaction records — you’ll need them if a dispute arises.

Communication Safety

• Keep all conversations documented — screenshots, chat history, and emails are your best evidence if something goes wrong.
• Never share sensitive personal information: IC number (NRIC), passwords, OTPs, bank login details, or copies of government-issued IDs. Legitimate users will never ask for these.
• Do not click on suspicious links or download unknown files from people you’re dealing with — they may contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
• Be wary of anyone who pushes to move communication to a different platform before a deal is agreed.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you spot any of these, stop and reconsider before proceeding.

Profile Red Flags

• No profile photo, or a stock / AI-generated photo.
• Vague or generic profile description with no real details.
• No reviews or feedback history. Newly created account with unrealistic claims.
• Profile information that doesn’t match the work being offered.

Job / Gig Red Flags

• Unrealistically high pay for minimal effort — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Extremely vague job descriptions with no clear deliverables.
• Requests for free “test” or “trial” work without payment.
• Job requires you to purchase software, tools, or cryptocurrency first.
• Any “registration fee,” “training fee,” or upfront cost to secure a project. Legitimate clients never require this.

During Transaction Red Flags

• Requesting payment via unusual methods (crypto, gift cards, international wire transfers).
• Pressure to act quickly, make immediate decisions, or threats of “legal action” / “account suspension.”
• Requests for your OTP, TAC (Transaction Authorization Code), or banking passwords.
• Demands for full upfront payment before any work begins.
• Unexpected “overpayment” with a request to refund the difference.
• Refusing to do a video call or provide identification.

Protect Your Account

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your LokalGig account and all related email / banking accounts.
• Use strong, unique passwords — do not reuse passwords across platforms.
• Never share your login details or financial information with anyone.
• Keep your devices, operating systems, and apps updated with the latest security patches.
• Regularly monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity or unauthorized transactions.

What to Do If You Get Scammed

Act fast — the first 24 hours are critical.

1. Stop all contact with the suspected scammer immediately. Do not send further payments or click any links they send.
2. Call 997 — the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline. Available 24/7. They can temporarily freeze “mule” accounts.
3. Contact your bank immediately via their 24/7 scam hotline to request transaction freezes or reversals. Use the “Kill Switch” in your banking app to freeze your account if needed.
4. Gather and preserve evidence: screenshots of the scammer’s profile, all message exchanges, transaction receipts, phone numbers or email addresses used.
5. File a police report at your nearest PDRM station (Commercial Crime Investigation Department / CCID).

How to Report on LokalGig

If you encounter a suspicious listing or user, use the ⚑ Report button on any gig page. Reports are reviewed by our team and actioned within 24 hours. Sign in is required to submit a report.