Today’s scammers are no longer at your door. They are now sneaking up on you online.
To avoid getting duped, here are the new tricks of how con artists work and ways on how to fend them off.
1. Fake celebrity accounts
Identity theft is common in social media, and celebrities are not immune. Recently, authorities reported a new trick wherein con artists pose as celebrities or famous personalities online. They would send bank accounts to their unsuspecting targets on social media to obtain money.
Caution: The Sharjah Police reminds residents to be more careful in choosing online friends because many scammers use fictitious or famous names and profile pictures to dupe netizens.
2. Fake PRO on Facebook
The Dubai Police caught a Facebook page administrator red-handed. He pretended that he’s connected to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai to offer fake work and residency visas.
Caution: Colonel Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the Cybercrimes Department of Dubai Police, said the suspect collects money from his victims as much as Dh20,000 to Dh30,000 in exchange for residency visas in the UAE, which turn out to be fake.
3. Fake online degree ads
Advertisements that offer fake academic credentials have recently spread like wildfire online. Most of these fake universities are operated by Pakistan-based IT-firm Axact. According to reports, people are paying between Dh50,000 and Dh150,000 for each certificate.
Caution: Trying out these ads that offer fake degrees could take away your money, hurt your employment, or put you in jail in the UAE.
4. Text scams
A total of 43 Asians operating in Dubai and Ajman were arrested by the Dubai Police for perpetrating text scams. The men claimed working for telecommunications companies in the UAE and promising them cash prizes.
Once their victims reply to their fake offers, these scammers, who are members of two separate gangs, would then ask their victims to transfer money to be able to claim their prizes.
Caution: Colonel Omar bin Hammad, Director of the Anti-economic Crimes Department, reminded the public to be wary about dubious text offers and report suspicious activities to police through hotline 901.