Police warns of scams impersonating the authority

Maldives Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant against scams being carried out by individuals impersonating the police.

According to the Police, scammers are creating fraudulent accounts on messaging platforms such as Viber using the identity of the Maldives Police Service, which they then use to make calls and send messages to members of the public.

The Police noted that such scams often involve foreign phone numbers, while the fraudulent accounts may also contain grammatical errors. The scammers have also been reported to request sensitive personal information, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

The Police therefore advised the public never to share bank account details, OTPs, passwords, or other sensitive information with anyone. They also urged people not to answer calls from foreign numbers claiming to represent Maldivian authorities and recommended immediately blocking and reporting any suspicious numbers.

Additionally, the Police encouraged members of the public to inform and educate their family members and friends about such scams, particularly elderly individuals who may be more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. They stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and taking necessary precautions to safeguard personal information.