Malta’s Police on Alert: Scam Calls Spoofing Local Numbers

Imagine this: Your phone rings, and the caller ID displays a local Malta number. You pick up, and it’s not your grandmother calling, but a scammer on the other end. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s happening right here in Malta. The Police have issued a warning about a surge in scam calls using spoofed local numbers.

What’s Going On?

Scammers are using a technique called ‘number spoofing’ to trick you into answering their calls. They’re making it seem like they’re calling from a local Malta number, when in reality, they could be anywhere in the world. These scammers are clever, and they’re getting more sophisticated by the day.

Just last week, a resident from Birkirkara received a call from a number displaying ‘Police Headquarters’. The caller claimed to be an officer and informed the resident that they had an unpaid traffic fine. They even provided a case number to make it seem legitimate. Luckily, the resident was suspicious and hung up, later confirming with the real police that it was a scam.

How to Spot a Scam Call

Firstly, always be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from official institutions. The Malta Police Force will never call you to ask for personal details or money over the phone. Here are some other red flags:

• They ask for personal or financial information.
• They use high-pressure tactics, threatening you with immediate action or consequences.
• They ask you to pay using unusual methods, like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• They claim there’s a problem with your computer or bank account and ask for remote access.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

If you receive a call that you suspect is a scam, here’s what you should do:

• Hang up immediately. Don’t engage with the caller or provide any information.
• Do not call the number back, even if it’s a local Malta number. Scammers can spoof any number.
• Report the call to the Malta Police on 119 or the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit on 21249245.
• Spread the word. Warn your family, friends, and neighbours about the scam.

Remember, scammers are counting on your fear, confusion, or greed to trick you. Don’t let them. Stay vigilant, and always err on the side of caution.

In the words of Inspector Ian Abela from the Malta Police, “Scammers are always finding new ways to trick people. The best defense is knowledge. Educate yourself and others about the latest scams.”

Let’s not fall for these scams. Let’s keep Malta safe, one call at a time.