People in Dubai wish that they could follow Indians Manekudy Varkey Mathew, Farhaan Arman and Filipino Al Dizon Bansil in being an instant millionaire after trying their luck in raffle draws.
But beware because a new scam in Dubai dupes residents that they are the lucky winners of a $1 million or Dh3,673,000 lottery draw.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has issued a warning to their subscribers that a fraudulent scam is using their name to deceive hopeful instant millionaires.
“Dear Subscriber, DFSA alerts the financial services community and members of the public about a fraudulent scheme in which the DFSA has been impersonated,” DFSA wrote on their circular titled “False DFSA Documents Used to Promote Fake Emirates Lottery”.
According to them, the scammers will contact consumers and trick them that they are “beneficiaries” of a $1 million raffle for the “Emirates Lottery 2017”.
To pose as something legitimate, the scammers use a false email address of DFSA ([email protected]) in coordinating with the “lucky winner”
After giving them a fake certificate of award, the scammers will instruct consumers on submitting the certificate and a $800 fee to the National Bank of Dubai along with a Fund Release Order form, allegedly issued by the DFSA.
The scammers will even send a breakdown of the $800 to pose as a legit scheme.
The breakdown includes certificate fee for $550, a court seal fee for $100, and an endorsement for $150.
After completing those instructions, the “winner” was promised to receive $1 million directly from the bank.
DFSA said that Emirates Lottery 2017 and National Bank of Dubai do no exist.
“The DFSA strongly advises that you do not respond to any communication regarding the scam, and under no circumstances should you send or give any money to any party in connection with the scam.”
DFSA has shared some tips on how to prevent from being scammed:
- Check if the company is listed and regulated on a relevant regulatory agency’s website.
- Search on the internet for the company’s information.
- Deal with people you trust.
- Get advice from experts or trusted friend before entering into a transaction.
- Use common sense.
- Keep the paperwork. If ever you became a victim of a scam, show the paper works in order to have strong evidence against the company that scammed you.
DFSA also shared some tips on how to spot a scam:
- If the person communicates only through email or telephone.
- The company refuse to provide information on who regulates their activity
- The company uses a generic email address like Hotmail and Yahoo.
Source: Khaleej Times
Photo credit: Caribbean360
