Maldives Police Service (MPS) has said Interpol has warned of financial scam linked to COVID-19. Interpol warned this is one of several types of financial fraud schemes connected to the ongoing global health crisis and have been flagged by member countries.
Interpol is encouraging the public to exercise caution when buying medical supplies online during the current health crisis, with criminals capitalising on the situation to run a range of financial scams, according to MPS. Interpol revealed with surgical masks and other medical supplies in high demand yet difficult to find in retail stores as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
fake businesses, websites, social media accounts and email addresses claiming to sell these items have sprung up online. However, rather than receiving the purchased masks and supplies, unsuspecting victims have seen their money taken by the criminals involved.
Interpol appealed to be cautious as in many cases, the fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies, using similar names, websites and email addresses in their attempt to trick unsuspecting members of the public, even reaching out proactively via emails and messages on social media platforms.