Police warn of rise in fraudulent Hulhumalé apartment listings

Police have warned of an increase in scams involving apartments advertised for daily or monthly rent in Hulhumalé through social media.

In a notice issued on Monday, police said fraudsters were operating fake accounts and using photographs and videos taken from apartment owners to advertise properties at below-market rates.

Police identified the TikTok account “Hulhumale Daily Rent Apartment”, under the username @hulhumaleapartment, and the telephone number +960 7217905 as being used in suspected scams.

Investigators also found that some bank account holders who received the payments may not have been involved in carrying out the fraud.

According to police, the scammers contact prospective tenants through messaging platforms and claim that other customers are interested in the same apartment. They then demand an advance payment to confirm the booking.

Victims have been asked to transfer sums ranging from MVR 2,550 to MVR 10,000 to designated bank accounts.

Police said those behind the scheme sometimes sent stolen identity card copies and forged documents through chat applications to gain the victim’s trust. After receiving payment, they ended communication without providing the apartment or refunding the money.

The public has been advised to inspect an apartment and meet its owner or an authorised agent before paying an advance or booking fee. Prospective tenants should also verify ownership documents or confirm that the person offering the property has authority to rent it.

Police urged people not to transfer money when pressured to make an immediate payment and cautioned against conducting transactions solely through unverified social media profiles or private messaging applications.

Anyone affected by the scam, including those who sent payment receipts to the number identified by police, has been asked to report the matter without delay.

Reports can be made by calling the police hotline on 3322111 or contacting the Police Anti-Scam Centre.