Ooredoo Maldives has partnered with Maldives Police Service to provide digital literacy and scam awareness training to senior citizens, amid continued concern over online fraud and increasingly sophisticated attempts to obtain personal and financial information.
The awareness sessions were conducted for senior citizens at Israhvehinge Naadhee in Malé and Hulhumalé, focusing on practical ways to identify scams and use smartphones and online services more safely.
Participants were introduced to some of the common methods used by scammers, including fraudulent phone calls and messages, phishing links, impersonation attempts and requests for sensitive information.
Particular attention was given to protecting passwords, one-time passwords, banking credentials and other personal information that could be exploited to gain access to accounts or carry out unauthorised transactions.
Representatives from Maldives Police Service participated in the programme, sharing guidance on recognising suspicious communications and responding when individuals believe they may be dealing with a scam.
The sessions come as online fraud remains a significant concern in the Maldives.
During Operation FRONTIER+ III, an international anti-scam operation conducted between March and May this year, Maldives Police investigated 349 locally reported scam cases involving losses of more than MVR 4 million.
Police froze 664 bank accounts linked to suspected scam activity during the operation and recovered approximately MVR 1.16 million. Sixteen people were arrested in the Maldives as part of the operation.
Authorities identified e-commerce fraud, currency exchange schemes, impersonation and phishing attempts, business email compromise and investment scams among the major forms of fraud affecting people in the country.
More recent statistics indicate that such cases continue to be reported regularly.
Police recorded 42 scam cases between July 26 and August 1, involving losses exceeding MVR 334,000. Online business scams accounted for the largest share, while cases involving fraudulent refunds, foreign currency transactions and impersonation were also reported.
Against that backdrop, the Ooredoo programme placed particular emphasis on helping older people recognise warning signs before sharing information or transferring money.
Alongside scam awareness, participants received practical guidance on using smartphones and common digital services.
The interactive format allowed senior citizens to ask questions and receive direct assistance with areas they found difficult, with the programme aimed at helping participants use technology more independently and confidently.
Police currently advise internet users to be cautious about unexpected messages requesting personal information, avoid suspicious links and attachments, use strong and unique passwords and enable additional authentication on important accounts.
The Maldives Police Service has also established an online Cyber Portal where the public can access cyber safety guidance and check suspicious messages, links and contact details against information on known scams.
Ooredoo’s latest programme builds on a relationship with Israhvehinge Naadhee that dates back to 2018, through which the telecommunications company has supported initiatives aimed at senior citizens.
The company said improving digital literacy among older people is part of its broader efforts to make digital services more accessible while ensuring that users understand the risks associated with an increasingly connected society.
Ooredoo said it intends to continue working with Police and community organisations to strengthen digital awareness and equip people with the knowledge needed to benefit from technology while protecting themselves against online fraud.
