Police Warn of Rising Phishing Attacks Targeting Telegram Users
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has issued a warning to the public following a rise in phishing attacks targeting users of the messaging platform Telegram.
According to police, there has been an increase in reports of Telegram accounts being compromised through phishing links. These links are typically disguised as photo-sharing messages sent from acquaintances or trusted contacts.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
ޕިޝިންގ ލިންކު މެދުވެރިކޮށް ޓެލެގްރާމް ހެކްކުރުމުގެ މައްސަލަތައް އިތުރުވަނީ، ސަމާލުވޭ! https://t.co/Z1lY4gSC5r— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) July 10, 2025
Police have explained that the scam occurs when a user clicks on the phishing link, is prompted to enter their phone number, and then shares the one-time password (OTP) code. Once this information is provided, scammers gain full access to the Telegram account.
After gaining control, the compromised accounts are used to send similar phishing links to other users, continuing the cycle of attacks.
The MPS has advised individuals whose accounts may be compromised to immediately delete and reinstall the Telegram application, ensuring that the two-step verification feature is activated. Authorities have also urged the public to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, even if they appear to come from known contacts, as these may be attempts to steal access to Telegram accounts.
