Dubai Police issue alert over phone and online fraud

The authorities have issued a renewed warning to the general public about the dangers and risks arised by cold callers and online fraudsters.

Dubai Police took to Twitter to highlight the dangers of cheaters, con artists and provide tips on the best ways to avoid being cheated out of money.

The department said people should be on high alert whenever asked to disclose personal data, particularly over the phone or by messaging services such as Telegram or WhatsApp.

“Government officials, including Dubai Police, will not ask you for personal details,” Dubai Police said.

Police said that the people should not share sensitive financial details particularly bank details or one-time password (OTP) and CVV codes, and avoid clicking on unknown website links.

They reminded the public that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“Criminals can fake identities and trick you into believing you won something or got a good deal,” police said.

4 tips to save yourself from falling victim to online scams#Stay_Safe_Online #Your_Security_Our_Happiness pic.twitter.com/FWt2hoxCet

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) January 8, 2022

Residents inundated with cold calls

People usually receives suspicious WhatsApp messages and phone calls and who fall for them are easily targeted by criminals. Check with your family members and friends before continuing with a communication or sharing information.

A recent method is that the cheater pretend that he is calling from the central bank and that your bank account is hacked.

A video posted by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority on Friday shared a scenario of a man being conned while trying to sell his motorbike.

The seller received a call from an interested buyer who forwarded him a link that required him to provide his bank details so he could receive the money transfer.

Dh15,000 was siphoned from his bank account instead.

Dubai Police urged residents who suspect their information has been stolen to file a report using the force’s app, its eCrimes.ae website, by calling 901 or by visiting the nearest smart police station.

Cyber crime Report in UAE

UK technology comparison website Comparitech said cybercrime in the UAE cost $746 million a year. The site said the UAE recorded 166,667 victims of cybercrime, based on information gathered between 2018 and 2020.

Remote working and rapid digital transformation because of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in cybercrime globally.

Last year, cybersecurity experts said they witnessed a surge in the number of scams involving fake deliveries and WhatsApp messages.

The scam involves criminals asking victims to pay a small sum of money for a fake pending delivery by a link sent to their email address.

Criminals have also targeted people on WhatsApp, informing them they have won a prize and need to send payment to cover delivery costs.

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