Malta AFM warns of scam requests for transport payments
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AFM Warns: Don’t Fall for Fake Transport Payment Requests

ByHot Malta

AFM’s Warning: Don’t Fall for Fake Transport Payment Requests

Imagine this: You’re planning a weekend getaway to Gozo, eager to explore the Azure Window’s successor, the Inland Sea. You receive an email from ‘Malta Public Transport’ asking you to pay for your bus tickets upfront. Sounds legit, right? Wrong. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has just issued a warning about scams targeting locals and tourists alike, with fake transport payment requests on the rise.

Scams Targeting Tourists and Locals Alike

The AFM has received numerous reports of scam emails and SMS messages claiming to be from Malta’s public transport services. These messages often include logos and branding similar to the genuine services, making them hard to spot at first glance. The scammers ask for personal details and payment for transport services, with the promise of a receipt or confirmation email upon payment.

But here’s the catch: once you’ve paid, you’ll receive nothing in return. No ticket, no receipt, and certainly no bus ride to the beautiful Ramla Bay. Instead, you’ll be left out of pocket and with a nasty case of buyer’s remorse.

How to Spot a Scam and Stay Safe

So, how can you tell if a transport payment request is legitimate or a scam? The AFM offers some simple tips to keep you safe:

    • Check the email address: Scammers often use addresses that look similar to, but aren’t exactly the same as, the genuine one. Always hover over links to see the full URL before clicking.
    • Be wary of urgent language: Scammers often use urgent language to pressure you into acting quickly. If an email or SMS is pushing you to act now, it’s likely a scam.
    • Never pay upfront: Genuine transport services will never ask you to pay for tickets upfront via bank transfer or money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
    • Check for poor grammar and spelling: While not a definitive sign, scam emails often contain poor grammar and spelling mistakes. If something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.

If you suspect you’ve received a scam message, report it to the AFM’s dedicated scam reporting portal at financialservices.gov.mt/scam-reporting.

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious messages, and remember: if something seems too good (or too urgent) to be true, it probably is. Stay safe, and enjoy your travels around our beautiful islands.

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