Scammers steal over MVR 356,000 as 38 cases reported in first week of November

A total of 38 scam cases were reported during the first week of November, with victims losing more than MVR 356,000, according to statistics released by the Maldives Police Service's Anti-Scam Centre.

Police statistics show that scammers stole MVR 356,163.40 through various schemes between November 1 and November 7. Authorities were able to freeze or recover MVR 245,389.64 of the stolen funds.

According to police, scammers used a range of platforms and methods during the week, including online messages, TikTok, eBay, phishing links, Facebook Marketplace and phone calls.

The most common category reported during the period was money laundering-related scams, with 12 cases recorded. This was followed by nine e-commerce scams. Police also received four reports each of fraudulent investment scams and booking cancellation and refund scams, in addition to several other types of fraud.

Police have repeatedly warned that scams are increasingly being carried out through online platforms and social media channels. Authorities continue to advise the public not to share PIN numbers, OTP codes or other banking credentials with anyone.

The Anti-Scam Centre urged members of the public to immediately end suspicious calls and report them to the relevant authorities. Police stressed that requests for OTP codes or similar banking information, even when made by someone claiming to represent a bank or another institution, are commonly used by scammers to gain access to victims' funds.