Confidence tricksters have taken advantage of the RM2.6 billion "donation" issue by offering part of the money to specific individuals on Facebook in exchange for their personal information, prompting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to step in.

The scammers posing as a MACC head of department would inform a targeted Facebook user that they have been selected to receive "compensation" from the graft-buster from funds they say come from the RM2.6 billion in Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts.

The message claimed that the "reward" was given to those who were committed in fighting terrorism but went on to give several other strange reasons such as "creating job opportunities", "encouraging growth in 1MDB", "to dispel Najib's scandal" and "to prevent US intervention".

"MACC stresses that the commission has never issued any media statement claiming that the MACC chief commissioner had announced that the RM2.6 billion from Najib's accounts was declared as funds to be disbursed to Malaysians who are committed to fighting terrorism.

"The information being circulated is false and it is believed to have been issued by irresponsible quarters," it said in a statement today.

The MACC added that it has lodged a police report and hoped the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will also probe the matter as it concerns MACC's reputation.

The graftbusters also advised the public not to be deceived by such messages and also not to circulate them.

Investigation ongoing

In July, Najib became embroiled in controversy after T he Wall Street Journal and whistleblower website Sarawak Report claimed that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into his personal bank accounts.

The MACC later confirmed the deposits but concluded the money did not originate from state-owned 1MDB, Najib's brainchild which is now struggling to repay its massive debt.

However, the investigation is still ongoing as the MACC is still trying to locate key witnesses in the case and is also planning to question the prime minister.