The Bank of Maldives (BML) has issued a warning for its customers to remain cautious due to a surge in fraud cases reported recently.
In a predominant type of scam, impersonators have been found to approach potential victims primarily through social media platforms, notably Facebook. They typically solicit funds under various pretexts, including:
- Medical emergencies
- Issues with internet banking, like locked or unusable accounts
- Custom clearance fees for items or gifts shipped from overseas
Furthermore, it has been observed that scammers frequently present fabricated deposit slips from the Maldives Islamic Bank, indicating amounts in both USD and MVR, in an attempt to deceive their targets. This method mirrors past instances where BML’s deposit slips were misused for similar purposes.
In addition to direct communication through social media, scammers are increasingly making use of communication tools like WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and Instagram. They usually approach victims from unfamiliar numbers or profiles.
In addition to the increase in recent scam activity involving impersonation scams, the following scams are also common:
- Cryptocurrency Trading
- Foreign Currency Exchange
- Login Credential Compromise
- Online Trading
- Sale/Purchase – Merchandise & Service
In light of these concerning developments, BML advises customers to adopt precautionary measures. They recommend verifying the authenticity of any financial request by reaching out to the concerned individual through a trusted contact number or mutual acquaintance. Moreover, if a customer inadvertently falls prey to such deceit, they are urged to notify the bank promptly and file an official complaint with the Maldives Police Services.
