Police say MVR 496,383 lost and MVR 211,684 recovered in weekly scam operations

About MVR 5 hundred thousand was lost to scams last week, of which MVR 2 hundred thousand was recovered, police said.

Police on Sunday published the statistics of scam cases reported to the agency from April 12 to 18.

According to the statistics, 41 scam cases were reported during the period.

These include 21 cases of e‑commerce scams, three cases of currency‑exchange scams, nine cases of impersonation, one case of phishing, vishing and job‑offer scams, and eight other cases.

A total of MVR 496,383.50 was lost in the cases, of which MVR 211,684.50 was recovered.

Police said the platforms used by scammers included online messaging platforms, iBay, phone calls, phishing links and the Facebook Marketplace.

Police also shared advice with the public on how to protect themselves from scams. As such, when dealing with a business account, ensure that it is a valid registered business linked to the goods being sold, and verify the business registration number. They also advised checking physical store or warehouse locations and prioritising Cash on Delivery.

Police further advised people to be cautious of callers or message senders who impersonate family members or friends and ask for money.

They also urged the public not to click on suspicious links sent in the name of banks and to use only official apps.

Of the stolen money in Male' City, MVR 1.46 million has been recovered in the first two weeks of this month. Theft cases have increased in both the capital and the atolls.

According to police statistics, 3,583 cases have been reported so far this year, most of them theft cases. A total of 998 theft cases have been reported.