Police recover MVR 208,708 lost to scams; 38 cases reported in a week

The Maldives Police Service has disclosed that 38 scam cases were reported during the period from the 11th to 17th of this month. According to police statistics, the total amount lost in these cases was MVR 387,881, while MVR 208,708 has been recovered. The scams were carried out through online messaging apps, iPay, TikTok, phone calls, phishing links, and Facebook Marketplace. Among the reported cases were 16 e-commerce scams, 10 money laundering-related cases, 5 booking cancellation and refund scams, 2 investment scams, and 5 cases of other types. Police have urged the public to be cautious when shopping online, including checking the seller's profile and page reviews carefully and being extra wary of offers priced well below market rates.