Police have launched a special operation called ‘Operation Fake Slip’ aimed at creating awareness among the public on the use of fake bank transfer slips in business transactions.
The campaign focuses on educating businesses about proper transaction practices and preventing fraud. The operation was launched by the Police Anti-Scam Center, with the Central Investigation Head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Shareef, and Head of Economic Crime Investigations, Superintendent of Police Rajunee Shuaib, attending the event. Economic Crime Investigation staff, neighborhood support officers from Male’, Hulhumale’, and Villimale’ and volunteers from colleges also participated in the event.
Police said the event kicks off a series of awareness programs to be conducted by the Anti-Scam Centre. The month of October is dedicated to identifying and raising awareness about fake bank slips. As part of the initiative, police teams will visit all shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels in the Male’ area and educate them on the matter
Police said the campaign will check whether there has been a rise in customers submitting fake bank transfer slips after availing services. Information on identifying such transactions will be provided, as well as familiarizing businesses on using official banking apps, SMS or email, to verify payments. The program will also educate businesses on checking transaction references and using bank statements to verify payments, and will also check if businesses are familiar with identifying between authentic slips and doubtful transfer slips.
The police will also investigate if the businesses faced issues of fake slips or delayed transfers over the past six months. They will provide information on how to deal with any fraud or suspicious activity, and teach the importance of identifying the characteristics of individuals committing such fraudulent activities.
