Public urged to remain vigilant against social media scams offering apartments for rent in Hulhumale'

The Maldives Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant against scams on social media involving the fraudulent rental of apartments in Hulhumale'.

The Maldives Police Service on Monday issued a public advisory urging vigilance against a surge in fraudulent schemes involving apartment rentals in Hulhumale'. Scammers are reportedly using various social media platforms to deceive individuals by offering apartments for daily and monthly lease to obtain money through fraudulent means.

The police stated that their investigations have revealed that these scammers are operating on social media using fraudulent accounts.

Police have noted that scams are being carried out through TikTok accounts such as "Hulhumale' Daily Rent Apartment" (@hulhumaleapartment) and the mobile number +960 7217905. Investigations have further revealed that the owners of the bank accounts to which funds are transferred in these cases are often not directly involved in the execution of these fraudulent activities.

As a safety precaution, the police have urged the public to conduct thorough site inspections, verify property ownership, and remain vigilant against demands for urgent payments, while exercising overall caution during online transactions.

The police have urged victims of this scam, as well as anyone who has sent fund transfer slips to the mobile number (+960) 7217905, to come forward. Furthermore, authorities have requested the public to immediately report any such fraudulent activities by contacting the police hotline at 3322111 or by reaching out to the Police Anti-Scam Centre.