The Maldives Police Service has recovered over MVR 2.2 million lost to scams this year alone, according to Chief Superintendent of Police and Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan. He expressed concern over the growing number of people falling victim to scams, highlighting the rise in scam calls targeting both private individuals and public companies.

“From January to now, we have managed to recover over MVR 2.2 million,” said Shifan, noting the increased use of social media platforms for fraudulent activities. The total amount reported as lost to scams in 2024 has exceeded MVR 13 million, underscoring the urgency of tackling this issue.

In response to the rising threat, the Maldives Police Service established an Anti-Scam Centre in July 2024, dedicated to combating scams and raising awareness. The Centre aims to enhance coordination among relevant authorities and is working on amending laws and regulations to better facilitate their operations.

The Maldives Police Service continues to prioritize efforts to safeguard citizens against scams and encourage vigilance among the public. While the recovery of funds provides some relief to victims, Shifan emphasized that prevention is key, urging the public to remain cautious and avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers or suspicious entities.