The UAE Central Bank, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police, has issued a warning about rising cyber scams. The authorities highlighted six common types of scams targeting individuals and businesses.
How to Spot Fraudulent Messages
The Central Bank advises people to watch for suspicious signs, such as spelling and grammar mistakes in messages. It’s important to avoid engaging with unknown senders. If you receive a suspicious message, report it to your bank first. If the response is unsatisfactory, escalate your complaint to the Central Bank’s dispute resolution unit, Sanadak.
Sanadak is an independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and licensed financial institutions or insurance companies.
Six Common Cyber Scams to Watch Out For:
- Phishing Scams: Fraudsters impersonate banks through emails or texts to steal sensitive information, like bank account details.
- Email Hacking: Cyber criminals hack corporate emails and trick victims into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. Always verify the sender.
- Identity Theft: Scammers pose as trusted organizations to steal personal details, such as credit card numbers.
- Invoice Fraud: Fraudsters create fake invoices, directing victims to send money to fraudulent accounts.
- Impersonation and Loan Fraud: Criminals use stolen personal data to apply for loans or credit cards under fake identities.
- Fake Products: Fraudulent ads, often on websites or social media, lure users into buying non-existent products.
Police Warning About Emerging Threats
Abu Dhabi Police issued additional warnings about fake investment platforms. Fraudsters create convincing ads with fake endorsements to attract victims. After the initial investment, they inflate profits to encourage more deposits. However, withdrawal requests are blocked.
Authorities also warn against fraudulent vehicle and property deals. These scams target people through fake websites that impersonate legitimate companies or brands. Victims are tricked into paying through fake payment links, resulting in stolen funds.
Job Seekers Alerted to Fake Scams
Job seekers are also at risk. Fraudsters create fake recruitment pages and job ads, charging applicants upfront fees for jobs that don’t exist. These scams often exploit official events or conferences.
Protect Yourself from Cyber Scams
Police stress the importance of protecting personal information. Never share sensitive details, such as passwords, ATM PINs, or card numbers. Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for this information.
Stay informed and follow the advice from the Central Bank and local police to stay safe.
