In a concerning development, the Maldives Police Service has issued a warning about a scam that involves the impersonation of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on the Viber messaging platform. The scam targets unsuspecting victims in an attempt to gain access to their Gmail accounts.
According to the Police Anti-Scam Centre, the fraudulent activity involves individuals being contacted through Viber by scammers using the names and branding of HDC. The scammers are using two specific phone numbers – 7933128 for calls and 7956509 for messages – with the sender’s display name appearing as ‘HDC Housin Development Corpo’.
The scammers reportedly ask recipients to verify numbers under the pretext of official communication from HDC, eventually leading to requests for sensitive login details, such as Gmail credentials. Authorities have emphatically stated that HDC does not conduct official communication through Viber, nor does it request Gmail credentials, verification codes, or access to personal accounts.
In light of this incident, the police have urged the public to refrain from sharing personal information or engaging with these messages. They have recommended that anyone contacted by the scam numbers block them immediately and report the activity to the relevant authorities.
Sadly, this is not the first time HDC’s name has been used in scams. Police have stated that similar attempts have been recorded in the past, prompting renewed calls for vigilance among the public. These fraudulent activities highlight the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, especially those claiming to be from official government entities.
The Maldives Police Service has taken a proactive stance in addressing this issue, underscoring their commitment to protecting the public from such deceptive practices. By raising awareness and providing clear instructions on how to respond, they are empowering the community to safeguard their personal information and avoid falling victim to these scams.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and adopt robust security measures to mitigate the risks posed by cybercriminals. The Maldives Police Service’s warning serves as a timely reminder for everyone to exercise caution and be wary of unsolicited communications, particularly those claiming to be from reputable institutions.
