Police say scams cost MVR 7,604 a day, 180 cases in July

Scams cost victims MVR 1.37 million in July, averaging more than MVR 7,000 in losses per day, police said on Tuesday.

According to police statistics, 180 scam cases were reported last month. The total financial loss from these cases amounted to MVR 1,368,844.56, police said.

Statistics show that online business and e-commerce scams were the most frequently reported category, accounting for 43.33 percent of all cases, a total of 78 reports.

Police said MVR 635,271.17 has been recovered so far, representing 46.41 percent of the total financial loss reported in July.

An average of 5.8 scam cases were reported per day last month. The average financial loss per case was MVR 7,604.69, according to police figures.

Police said the financial losses are being caused by scams conducted through social media pages, online trading platforms, messaging applications, and informal financial networks.

Breakdown of the 180 cases reported in July

• E-commerce / online business: 78 cases (43.33 percent)  

• Booking cancellation and refund scams: 36 cases (20.00 percent)  

• Other scams: 26 cases (14.44 percent)  

• Foreign exchange scams: 20 cases (11.11 percent)  

• Fraud by impersonation: 20 cases (11.11 percent)

A total of 114 cases involving online business scams and booking-cancellation scams were reported, making up 63.33 percent of all cases in July. Police said the numbers show that transactions conducted through online platforms pose a serious threat to both individuals and businesses.

Police advised the public not to make advance payments without verifying the authenticity of the seller. Customers were reminded to prefer cash-on-delivery to avoid online business scams.

Before initiating a financial transaction, police said it is important to check the seller’s account registration date, contact information, and feedback from other customers.

Police also warned that a large number of photos, advertisements, or followers on social media does not indicate a reliable business.

The agency further advised people to be cautious of unusually cheap goods and offers that demand quick payment, noting that fraudsters often attempt to pressure victims into paying before they have time to verify the transaction.