Police Warn Public over Rising Hulhumalé Apartment Rental Scams

The Maldives Police Service has issued an urgent warning to the public following a surge in social media scams targeting individuals seeking daily and monthly apartment rentals in Hulhumalé.

Police investigators report that fraudsters are systematically creating fake profiles across various online platforms to trick prospective tenants into transferring advance payments for non-existent or unauthorized rental properties.

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Authorities have identified several specific outlets involved in the fraudulent scheme, including the TikTok account “Hulhumale Daily Rent Apartment” (@hulhumaleapartment) and the contact number +960 7217905. Police investigations further reveal that scammers frequently exploit bank accounts belonging to uninvolved third parties to receive illicit transfers, thereby concealing their own identities while extracting money from unsuspecting victims.

According to Police officials, the scheme relies on stolen photos and high-pressure tactics to deceive victims. Scammers steal photos and video footage of legitimate apartments owned by third parties and advertise them at unrealistically cheap rates to attract interest. Once communication begins over private messaging applications, the perpetrators fabricate competing interest from other clients, pressuring victims to deposit advance payments ranging between MVR 2,550 and MVR 10,000 into designated bank accounts to secure the booking.

Authorities additionally explained that, to build credibility, they often send stolen national identity cards and falsified rental documents over chat. However, as soon as the victim submits the bank transfer receipt, the scammers immediately cease all communication, leaving the victim without accommodation or funds.

To prevent further financial loss within the community, law enforcement urges members of the public to take direct precautions before making any rental payments. Prospective tenants must inspect properties physically and verify the credentials of the official property owner or an authorized agent in person before transferring any booking fee or deposit. Furthermore, individuals should request valid documentation proving legal property ownership prior to signing agreements, refuse requests for immediate online transfers driven by artificial time constraints, and avoid conducting financial transactions solely through unverified social media profiles.

The Maldives Police Service requests that anyone who has transferred money to the phone number +960 7217905, fallen victim to similar schemes, or noticed suspicious rental activity report the details immediately to the police hotline at 3322111 or contact the official Anti-Scam Centre.