More than MVR 450,000 was lost to scams reported across the Maldives last week, according to the Police Anti-Scam Centre.
The centre said 39 scam cases were reported during the week, resulting in total losses of MVR 457,776.96. Police managed to recover MVR 222,755.20, equivalent to 48.7 percent of the reported losses.
Money-laundering scams also increased during the week. The number of reported cases rose from eight in the second week of August to 10 cases last week.
Online business scams remained the most common type, with 13 cases reported. Police also recorded five fraud cases, four refund scams, two investment scams and five cases classified under other scam categories.
According to police, scammers commonly use online messaging platforms, eBay, phishing links and Facebook Marketplace to target victims.
The Anti-Scam Centre has urged the public to remain cautious when making online transactions. Police advised against sending advance payments to unknown individuals and recommended making payments only after transactions have been completed. The public was also advised to use official banks or licensed money exchange services when exchanging foreign currency.
