Police have urged the public to pay attention as they have recently noticed cases where an individual has been stating they have an apartment in Hulhumale' for daily and monthly rent, and has been fraudulently taking money on social media.
Police said last night their investigation has shown that those who commit fraud make a fake account on social media, use TikTok accounts such as "Hulhumale' Daily Rent Apartment" (@hulhumaleapartment) and a phone number, 7217905.
Police also said their investigation revealed that the owners of the accounts that transfer money in these cases are not involved in acts of fraud and deception.
Fraud and deception: How it is done
- False advertising: Taking pictures and videos of other people's apartments in order to get people interested, and advertising it for rent at inadequately cheap prices.
- Trying to get money quickly: Telling people that there are other customers asking to rent the apartment once communication on a messaging platform begins, and demand an advance immediately so that their booking can quickly be confirmed.
- Taking an advance payment: Telling people to deposit an advance payment between MVR 2,550 and MVR 10,000 to specific bank accounts.
- Using stolen documents and IDs: Sending stolen ID cards and invalid documents via chat to gain trust.
- Stop replying once they have the money: Immediately stopping communication with those sending money once the slip for the money transfer has been sent, without handing the apartment to them or their money back to them.
Police have urged everyone to check the apartments thoroughly before agreeing to rent them, and to not send any advance payments or booking fees without meeting with the owner of the building or a certified agent.
Additionally, before entering rental agreements, police request everyone to ensure there is a document that proves ownership or official permission has been granted for the rental of the apartment. They are also urged to not make any sort of payment in a situation where they are told there is not much time and their only option is to quickly transfer the money online.
They have also said not to conduct financial transactions with social media profiles that may not be authentic and via private messaging applications.
Police have requested anyone who notices a fraudulent scam of an apartment being rented out daily or monthly to call 3322111 without delay or to report it to their Anti-Scam Center.
