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Occasional in Maldives

Scam in MaldivesTheft

Theft of unattended valuables in Maldives

Beaches and hotel rooms, with extra care advised when travelling in Malé City.

How it works

Goods left unattended on beaches or in hotel rooms can be stolen. Low crime levels at resorts do not remove this risk.

Warning signs

  • Your phone, wallet or bag will be out of sight while you swim.
  • Valuables are left unsecured in your room.

How to avoid it

  1. Use the resort's safe deposit box.
  2. Keep your belongings with you or with a trusted companion.
  3. Take only what you need to the beach.
  4. Lock your room when leaving.

If it happens to you

Tell hotel staff and report the theft to police. Freeze missing cards promptly and ask for a written report for your insurer.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Avoid a confrontation and do not chase a thief.
  2. For a disputed charge, ask for an itemised bill and speak to the seller or manager.
  3. Save receipts, booking details, messages and a brief record of what happened.
  4. Freeze missing cards or report unauthorised payments to your card issuer immediately.
  5. Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Tourist police can help on 1478 or (+960) 9790070. Ask for a report reference or written copy.
  6. Contact your insurer with the evidence. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensBeaches and hotel rooms, with extra care advised when travelling in Malé City.Malé

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in MaldivesHigh resort drink prices: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the theft of unattended valuables scam in Maldives?

Goods left unattended on beaches or in hotel rooms can be stolen. Low crime levels at resorts do not remove this risk.

How can I spot it early?

Your phone, wallet or bag will be out of sight while you swim. Valuables are left unsecured in your room.

How do I avoid theft of unattended valuables in Maldives?

Use the resort's safe deposit box. Keep your belongings with you or with a trusted companion. Take only what you need to the beach. Lock your room when leaving.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Tell hotel staff and report the theft to police. Freeze missing cards promptly and ask for a written report for your insurer.

Where in Maldives does this happen?

Beaches and hotel rooms, with extra care advised when travelling in Malé City. It has been reported in Malé.

How common is this scam in Maldives?

Occasional. Crime levels are relatively low at resort hotels, but theft from beaches and hotel rooms does happen. Money risks include expensive drinks, marked-up souvenirs and poor exchange rates in shops. These pricing risks do not, by themselves, prove fraud.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police: call toll-free 1478 or (+960) 9790070 at any time for information or assistance. Emergency services: call 911 if you need urgent police, ambulance, fire and rescue, or coast guard help. Hotel management or excursion operator: report missing belongings or a disputed charge promptly. Share receipts and booking details, and ask staff to help you contact police if needed. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.

What number do I call in an emergency in Maldives?

Police, ambulance, fire and rescue, coast guard: 911, Tourist police, toll-free: 1478, Tourist police: (+960) 9790070.

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