136 Scams Reported in May Alone, Losses Reach Over MVR 1.4 Million: Police Report

The Maldives Police Service has reported a worrying rise in scam cases during the month of May, with 136 incidents logged between May 6 and May 30, involving losses totaling around MVR 1.4 million. These figures come from the Police’s Anti Scam Centre, which continues to monitor and tackle the growing threat of fraud targeting residents.

Breakdown of Scam Cases Throughout May

The detailed statistics reveal a steady flow of scam reports throughout the month:

  • From May 6 to 12, 39 scam cases were registered

  • Between May 13 and 19, the number increased to 45 cases

  • From May 20 to 26, 44 cases were reported

  • Finally, from May 26 to 30, there were 8 cases logged

Overall, victims lost a total of MVR 1,380,869 during these scams. Thankfully, the police have managed to recover MVR 530,742, a significant step in mitigating the financial damage to those affected.

Most Common Scam Channels Identified

The Anti Scam Centre highlighted that a large portion of the scams took place via e-commerce platforms and the Facebook Marketplace, where unsuspecting buyers and sellers fall prey to fraudulent schemes. These online spaces continue to attract scammers looking to exploit users’ trust.

Varieties of Scams Targeting the Public

Among the scams reported, several common types have been identified:

  • Foreign currency exchange frauds

  • Phone call scams, including those on regular lines and messaging apps like Viber

  • Phishing scams through malicious links

Scams also frequently occur over popular communication platforms such as iBay, Messenger, Telegram, and Instagram, showing how scammers adapt across multiple channels to reach their targets.

Police Warn Public to Stay Vigilant

The Anti Scam Centre urges the public to remain cautious and vigilant at all times. They advise against clicking on suspicious links or sharing verification codes, even if the message seems to come from a known contact or number. Scammers often spoof trusted numbers to gain victims’ confidence.

Dedicated Division to Combat Rising Scams

In response to the surge in scam cases, the Maldives Police established a specialized division in March tasked exclusively with investigating and tackling scam-related crimes. This proactive step aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting the public and curbing fraudulent activity.

As scams evolve, staying informed and cautious is key. Always verify sources and be skeptical of unsolicited messages — after all, a moment of caution can save you from costly mistakes.