Malta Scam Alert: Don’t Fall for ‘Local’ Calls

Imagine this: Your phone rings, and you see a local number flashing on the screen. You pick up, and it’s not your aunt calling to chat, but a scammer on the other end. This isn’t a scene from a crime drama, but a reality many Maltese residents are facing. The Malta Police Force has issued a stark warning about scam calls using spoofed ‘local’ numbers.

Spoofing, the practice of displaying false information on a caller’s ID, is nothing new. However, scammers are upping their game by using numbers that mimic local Maltese prefixes. This tactic is designed to make you more likely to pick up, thinking it’s someone you know or a local business calling.

Superintendent of the Economic Crimes Unit, Insp. Keith Azzopardi, warns, “Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They’re using technology to make their calls seem local, hoping to catch people off guard.”

Scam calls come in various guises. Some promise big prizes, others claim there’s an urgent issue with your bank account or even a warrant out for your arrest. Insp. Azzopardi shares, “We’ve seen cases where scammers pose as police officers, telling victims they need to pay a fine or settle a debt over the phone.”

One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his experience with Hot Malta. “I received a call from a number that looked like it was from Msida. The person on the other end said I had a warrant out for my arrest. I was so shocked, I almost fell for it. Luckily, I hung up and called the real police.”

While it’s impossible to stop scammers from trying, you can protect yourself:

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.
• Never share personal or financial information over the phone. Banks and official bodies will never ask for this over the phone.
• If you’re unsure, hang up and call back. Use a number you know is genuine, like the one on the official website.
• Report suspicious calls to the police. Every report helps in tracking and stopping scammers.

Insp. Azzopardi advises, “Trust your instincts. If a call feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to hang up and call back using a number you know is genuine.”

The Malta Police Force is working tirelessly to combat this issue. They’re collaborating with telecom providers to block suspicious numbers and raising awareness through campaigns like this one.

Insp. Azzopardi concludes, “Education is key. We need everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious calls. Together, we can fight back against these scammers.”