Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan has announced plans to set up an anti-scam centre to tackle the rising number of scam cases in the country. Speaking on a Public Service Media (PSM) program, Shifan revealed that the police will be rolling out this initiative as part of their Strategic Action Plan for the next five years.
Shifan emphasized the urgency of addressing scam offences, stating that they have become a significant concern for the public, making it the second most prevalent crime after drug cases.
“We are establishing an anti-scam centre very soon as part of this strategic plan,” he affirmed, adding that the anti-scam centre concept has been proven effective in numerous countries across the globe.
The proposed anti-scam centre will serve as the primary point of contact for scam cases nationwide.
“We will immediately take all necessary steps to prevent a victim from being further victimized, in collaboration with the banks to protect the person and do whatever is necessary for them,” he stated.
While an exact timeline for the anti-scam centre has not been provided, Shifan assured the public that the initiative will be rolled out soon.
The announcement comes in the wake of alarming statistics, with over MVR 150 million reportedly lost to various scams since records began in 2021. Superintendent of Police Abdulla Rasheed revealed that the Economic Crime Department had received 28,003 cases of scams, reporting a total loss of MVR 57.8 million.
Common Business Scams in the Maldives
In today’s digital era, internet fraud has become a prevalent threat, with criminals employing sophisticated tactics to compromise the security of internet users. Maldives Police Service has reported a surge in cases of fraudulent money transactions, often linked to compromised internet banking credentials.
Methods of Compromise
Fraudsters obtain Internet banking credentials through various methods, including phishing scams. These scams often involve deceptive links sent via SMS or email, pretending to be from reputable institutions. Unsuspecting individuals who click these links are directed to fake websites where scammers capture their login details.
In other instances, internet banking credentials are stored in email password managers, making them susceptible to compromise if the email account is breached. Additionally, users often access Internet banking from untrusted devices, where passwords are saved in browsers, further exposing sensitive information to potential exploitation.
Taking Proactive Measures
Utilize Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication when accessing Internet banking services. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step, such as a code sent to your mobile device.
Practice Password Hygiene
Regularly change your passwords for internet banking and other accounts, and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Strong, unique passwords are crucial for protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Exercise Caution with Links
Be cautious when clicking links sent via SMS or email, uncommonly if they prompt you to enter sensitive information. Verify the authenticity of websites before providing any personal details to prevent falling victim to phishing scams.
Stay Informed and Vigilant
Remain vigilant against internet fraud by staying informed about common tactics used by scammers. Websites like https://haveibeenpwned.com can help individuals determine if their email addresses and passwords have been compromised in data breaches.
