MVR 118,000 lost to scams last week; MVR 164,000 recovered

Between June 7 and June 13, 2026, the Maldives Police Service reported 36 scam-related cases with total losses of MVR 118,370.05. The Police Anti-Scam Centre recovered MVR 164,240.60, including funds from new and prior cases. E-commerce scams (26 cases) were most common, followed by online fraud (5), impersonation scams (4), and fraudulent currency exchange (1). Scams were conducted via messaging platforms, phone calls, and fraudulent links, notably on iBay and Facebook Marketplace. Authorities urge caution in online transactions, advise against sharing OTPs or credit card info, and recommend verifying suspicious activity through official channels.

Between June 7 and June 13, 2026, the Maldives Police Service reported 36 scam-related cases with total losses of MVR 118,370.05. The Police Anti-Scam Centre recovered MVR 164,240.60, including funds from new and prior cases. E-commerce scams (26 cases) were most common, followed by online fraud (5), impersonation scams (4), and fraudulent currency exchange (1). Scams were conducted via messaging platforms, phone calls, and fraudulent links, notably on iBay and Facebook Marketplace. Authorities urge caution in online transactions, advise against sharing OTPs or credit card info, and recommend verifying suspicious activity through official channels.

Between June 7 and June 13, 2026, the Maldives Police Service reported 36 scam-related cases with total losses of MVR 118,370.05. The Police Anti-Scam Centre recovered MVR 164,240.60, including funds from new and prior cases. E-commerce scams (26 cases) were most common, followed by online fraud (5), impersonation scams (4), and fraudulent currency exchange (1). Scams were conducted via messaging platforms, phone calls, and fraudulent links, notably on iBay and Facebook Marketplace. Authorities urge caution in online transactions, advise against sharing OTPs or credit card info, and recommend verifying suspicious activity through official channels.

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