To prevent internet banking scams, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has issued a press release advising the public to take precautions such as using two-factor authentication, changing passwords regularly, and avoiding using the same password for multiple accounts. MPS highlighted that internet fraud is on the rise and urged users to be vigilant when clicking on links sent via SMS or email, ensuring that they verify the authenticity of the website before entering any sensitive information.
MPS reported an increase in fraudulent money transactions being carried out through internet banking, often due to compromised login credentials obtained through phishing scams. Fraudsters use fraudulent links in the name of reputable institutions and organisations to direct unsuspecting individuals to seemingly legitimate websites. Once the victims enter their login credentials, the scammers can access their accounts and carry out unauthorized money transactions.
MPS also warned that internet banking usernames and passwords are frequently saved in the password manager of email accounts, which can be compromised, allowing unrestricted access to internet banking services. Furthermore, passwords saved in the browsers of devices used to access internet banking and email services can be exploited by scammers.
To determine whether their email addresses and passwords have been leaked in any international data breaches, MPS recommended using the https://haveibeenpwned.com link, which provides information on global data and security breaches.
