Ministry warns public over scams linked to housing schemes

The Ministry of Housing on Tuesday warned the public about scams involving the Gedhoruveriya flat scheme and the Binveriya land scheme, stating that cases of individuals being asked to pay money in exchange for housing allocations are increasing.

In a statement, the ministry said the allocation of land and flats under all housing projects implemented by the ministry will be conducted strictly in accordance with rules published in the Government Gazette and official announcements issued by the ministry.

It said no individual has the authority to obtain land or flats outside the procedures set out in the Gazette or ministry announcements.

The ministry urged members of the public not to engage in financial transactions with any person claiming to secure land plots or flats under government housing projects. It also advised that any information regarding such activities should be reported immediately to the Police Anti-Scam Centre hotline at 125.

The Maldives Police Service has also recently cautioned the public about cases in which individuals were asked to pay money in exchange for assistance with flat allocations.

Senior Sergeant Abdulla Shahneez of the Police Anti-Scam Centre said that when housing schemes are opened, members of the public often receive links or phone calls requesting one-time passwords (OTP) and personal information.

He advised the public not to click on unknown links and instead to access official housing portals through eFaas and follow procedures issued by the government.

Authorities have urged the public to verify information through official channels before making any payments or sharing personal details.