The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has introduced a dedicated anti-scam hotline as part of its expanded efforts to combat scams and related criminal activities across the nation.
This initiative is a key component of the MPS Strategic Action Plan for 2024–2028, which prioritises the prevention of fraudulent activities. A significant step in this effort came with the establishment of the specialised Anti-Scam Centre in June 2024, which aims to centralise and enhance the country’s capacity to address scams.
On 17 March, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau issued a directive granting the Anti-Scam Centre the authority to oversee and respond to all reported scam-related crimes nationwide. As part of this directive, the MPS has said the centre has been empowered to act as the focal point for addressing fraud, working in collaboration with relevant financial agencies.
To support this initiative, the MPS has also introduced a dedicated call centre for reporting scams. According to the police service, once a report is received, the Anti-Scam Centre will collect relevant information, liaise with financial institutions, and take appropriate measures to address the crime.
Members of the public can now report scams and related crimes via the national emergency number, 911, or the newly established anti-scam hotline, 125. Additionally, the Anti-Scam Centre can be contacted directly through extension 2020 or via email at [email protected]. These channels are also available for reporting crimes occurring outside the Maldives, the police service added.
The MPS has noted that citizens can continue to report scam-related crimes at police stations across Malé and the outer islands. However, the public is strongly encouraged to utilise the new hotline to streamline the reporting process and enhance efficiency, it said.
In a public appeal, the MPS also urged citizens to assist in combating scams by reporting incidents promptly. The police service reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with financial institutions and other authorities to safeguard the public from fraudulent activities.