The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued an advisory for UAE residents to avoid clicking any suspicious links sent to their mobile phones through SMS, WhatsApp or email as several reports have been linked to these as scam attacks.
Among the most recent reports include targeting drivers by sending messages that their driving license is about to expire, targeting motorists with traffic fines, as well as giving additional salary – all of which ask the potential victim to click a link.
Khaleej Times reports that there has also been instances when a hacked individual then sends out messages to all of their contacts in an attempt to spread the hack, which makes things complicated if the message was received from a trusted individual.
In addition, lottery rewards, free plane tickets, raffle draws, and are still being circulated across the network as an attempt to steal personal information, including bank accounts.
“The TRA said that if one clicks the link in the message, it would give away the personal information of the user,” as per the warning message from TRA as they urged the public to delete the messages immediately to stay safe.
TRA also said that UAE residents should avoid responding to the messages or avoid any hacking attempts. “Interacting with such messages could result in your WhatsApp account being stolen.”
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) reminds the public about such fake WhatsApp scam messages that can include fake job offers, traffic fines, additional salaries, email and WhatsApp accounts.
The latest scam message that has circulated recently informs users “after a scanning (sic) to our servers, we found that your account is not confirmed, and it will be deleted because someone is claiming to have that account.”
The message, sent via WhatsApp, claims it sent the user an authentication code to the registered phone number confirming that account is truly theirs. The user is told to send the code back on the same chat to “verify” the account, else the WhatsApp account will be closed within 24 hours. The message is signed “WhatsApp Support Team”.
