Malta Police Warn: Scam Calls Spoof Local Numbers

Imagine this: Your phone rings, and the caller ID displays a familiar Malta-based number. You pick up, and a friendly voice on the other end claims to be from your bank, warning you about a suspicious transaction. You’re alarmed, but before you can react, they ask for your PIN or online banking details. Hang up, because you’ve just dodged a scammer.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. The Malta Police Force has issued an urgent warning about a surge in scam calls targeting locals. The scammers are using a technique called ‘number spoofing’ to make their calls appear as if they’re coming from genuine Maltese numbers. But don’t be fooled – these calls are anything but legitimate.

Number spoofing is a technique used by scammers to disguise their identity by displaying a fake caller ID. In Malta, scammers are exploiting this method to make their calls seem more convincing. They might use a number similar to yours, or one from a well-known local institution. But remember, just because a number looks familiar, it doesn’t mean the call is genuine.

Malta’s police have received numerous reports of scam calls, with victims losing thousands of euros. Here are some common tactics used by scammers:

• Bank Impersonation: Scammers pose as bank employees, warning you about a fraudulent transaction and asking for your PIN or online banking details.
• Lottery Scams: You’re told you’ve won a lottery or prize, but you need to pay ‘taxes’ or ‘fees’ to claim it. Once you pay, the scammer disappears.
• Tech Support Scams: Scammers claim to be from a well-known tech company, warning about a virus on your computer. They ask for remote access to ‘fix’ the issue, but their real aim is to steal your personal data.

Scammers are clever and persistent. They might call multiple times, or even send follow-up texts to pressure you into complying. But here’s the thing: genuine organisations will never ask for your PIN, full password, or one-time codes over the phone.

Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself from scam calls:

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers, especially if they’re displaying a local number.
• If you do answer and suspect it’s a scam, hang up immediately.
• If you’re unsure, ask for the caller’s name and number, then call the organisation back using a number you trust, like the one on their official website.
• Consider using call-blocking apps or services to automatically block suspected scam calls.
• Educate yourself and others about common scam tactics. Knowledge is your best defense.

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the Malta Police Force on 119 or the Economic Crimes Unit on 2122 4123. Your report could help prevent others from falling victim.

Remember, scammers rely on fear, urgency, and surprise to trick their targets. Stay calm, take your time, and always err on the side of caution. It’s better to miss out on a ‘prize’ or ‘deal’ than to fall for a scam.

Let’s spread the word and keep Malta safe from scammers. Share this article, educate your friends and family, and together, we can make Malta a tougher target for these criminals.