Police warn of SMS scam impersonating MTCA

The police issued a warning on text messages sent by scammers claiming to be the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA).

The SMS gives recipients the impression that they are entitled to a tax refund which can be claimed by clicking on a link.

Upon clicking this link, victims are directed to a fraudulent website imitation the MTCA’s official site and are then asked to enter their credit card details to receive the supposed refund. Entering these details grants scammers full access to the victim’s bank account.

A number of reports from individuals who lost their money after falling victim to the SMS scam were received by the police over recent days.

The police urged the public to never provide personal banking details when receiving such messages, and advised people to always verify the message’s authenticity by contacting the entity claimed to be the sender.