The amount of money lost to scams increased by 12 per cent last week compared with the previous week, with 36 reported cases resulting in losses totalling MVR 365,626.56, according to statistics published by the Anti-Scam Centre.

During the previous week, 46 scam cases were reported, with losses totalling MVR 325,485. Although fewer cases were reported last week, the amount of money lost increased by 12 per cent.

E-commerce scams remained the most commonly reported scam last week, accounting for 24 of the 36 cases reported to the Maldives Police Service. The remaining reports included two phishing, vishing and job scam cases, three money transfer scam cases, two cases involving money obtained through deception, and five other scam cases.

Information released by the Police Anti-Scam Centre shows scammers most commonly use phone calls, Viber, online messaging platforms, phishing links and Facebook Marketplace to target victims.

As e-commerce scams continued to be the most frequently reported type of scam last week, Police advised the public to verify the authenticity of sellers before making purchases online. Police also reiterated their advice to avoid sending money to unknown individuals and to use secure payment methods or pay only after receiving goods whenever possible.