Police urge caution in the wake of surging scams, criminals compromising login credentials
MPS has recorded a surge in cases linked to fraudulent money transactions being carried out through internet banking of recent
Beware of Scams: Criminals are Compromising Login Credentials
The Maldives Police Service has urged caution from the public, in the wake of increasing scams.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the police institution revealed that internet fraud has become progressively common in the present digital age and that criminals nationwide are devising new and complex ways through which they can compromise the security of internet users and acquire unauthorized access to sensitive information such as passwords, email addresses, and bank account details.
Noting that MPS has recorded a surge in cases linked to fraudulent money transactions being carried out through internet banking of recent, the police institution highlighted that many incidents have been linked to compromised login credentials.
Recent investigations by the authority confirm that criminals acquire internet banking usernames and passwords of unsuspecting victims through several ways including phishing scams.
Highlighting that these scams often involve the use of fraudulent links sent via SMS or email in the name of reputable institutions and organizations, MPS detailed that individuals who click on these links are then directed to websites that appear to be legal but are in fact fraudulent.
Scammers are then able to access the accounts of unsuspecting users and carry out unauthorized money transactions once the victims enter their login credentials.
There have been observations that internet banking usernames and passwords are saved in the password manager of email accounts which results in scammers having access to this information, providing unrestricted access to internet banking services, when the email is compromised.
Further, MPS revealed that many people regularly access internet banking and email services from devices other than their own and passwords are saved in the browsers of such devices, which makes it easier for scammers to sensitive information.
With this, MPS highlighted that individuals can use thehttps://haveibeenpwned.comlink to see whether their email addresses and passwords have been leaked in any international data breaches.
The given website provides information on data breaches and security breaches that have occurred globally.
The police institution went on to assure that they are actively working to identify and track down the perpetrators behind such fraudulent activities.
They however shed light on the importance for individuals to take measures to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
As such, the authority recommends using two-factor authentication features when accessing internet banking services, changing passwords periodically, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
It is also vital to be cautious when clicking on links sent via SMS or email and to verify the authenticity of the website before entering any sensitive information.
Stressing that it is important to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard personal information from falling into the wrong hands, as the internet provides endless opportunities for individuals to access information and services, MPS noted that individuals can protect themselves from internet fraud and ensure a safe and secure online experience with increased awareness and education on the matter.
