More than MVR 3.2 million lost to scam cases has been recovered so far this year, according to statistics released by the Anti-Scam Centre of Maldives Police Service.

The centre reported that 954 scam cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year, with total losses amounting to MVR 9.21 million. Of that amount, MVR 3.24 million has been recovered and returned to victims.

Online business or e-commerce scams accounted for the largest share of reported cases, with 535 incidents recorded. Police also received 157 cases involving money obtained fraudulently from another person, 144 money laundering-related cases and 57 cases categorised as invalid communications.

The Anti-Scam Centre said that the most common methods used by scammers include phone calls, iBay transactions, online messaging platforms, phishing links and Facebook Marketplace.

Police advised the public to verify the identity and authenticity of individuals before making payments, avoid sharing personal information and enable two-factor authentication on applications and online accounts. The Anti-Scam Centre also stressed the importance of reporting scam cases promptly, noting that early reporting can increase the chances of recovering lost funds.

Scam cases can be reported through the National Emergency Call Centre by calling 911 or 125 (extension 2020), or by emailing [email protected].