Police Warn Public Over Rise in Business Email Scams

The Maldives Police Service has issued a warning over the increasing prevalence of scams targeting business email accounts, urging both individuals and companies to adopt stronger precautions.

Police noted that while email remains one of the most widely used tools for official communication, it is also a common entry point for criminals seeking to access accounts and steal money.

A major tactic highlighted by authorities is business email compromise (BEC), a global scam method frequently used for financial fraud and money laundering. In these cases, criminals impersonate trusted individuals or officials to deceive victims into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.

Scammers often send emails that appear to come from someone known to the victim. Police emphasised the importance of remaining alert and avoiding such deceptive tactics.

Preventive measures recommended include avoiding the sharing of personal information, such as date of birth, stamps, or school details, on social media, as these details can be used to guess passwords.

The public was also advised not to click on suspicious links and to verify account‑related messages by calling a company’s official number rather than using contact details provided in the email.

Other safety steps include checking email addresses carefully, avoiding unsafe downloads, and enabling two‑factor authentication on all accounts. Police also warned that requests for sudden changes in bank account details or urgent money transfers are likely to be scams and should be verified via previously confirmed contact numbers.

Anyone who encounters a scam is urged to contact their bank immediately and report the incident to the Police Anti‑Scam Center via 125 or extension 2020.

Authorities reiterated the importance of vigilance and safe email practices to prevent financial loss.