First time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Dubai should be wary of scammers posing as their sponsor or employer’s representative.
This warning came after the Bur Dubai Prosecution arrested an Asian who swindled eight first-time visitors of their passport, cash, and other personal belongings.
“He would meet unsuspecting travellers outside the arrival terminal. Then, he would approach them individually and introduce himself as their PRO or sponsor’s representative,” Gulf News quoted Prosecutor General Sami Al Shamsi, Head of Bur Dubai Prosecution, as saying.
According to accounts of the victims, the scammer approached them, pretending to be their PRO. He also asked them to hand over their passports, visas, as well as their cash in exchange for phones with working SIM cards. But nobody is any the wiser after it.
The imposter was apprehended by the Dubai Police stationed at the airport based on descriptions given by the victims.
“The suspect had been staying in the country illegally, since his visa had expired and he failed to pay the fines for overstaying,” the prosecutor general added.
The con artist confessed to swindling the travellers when he was questioned by the police. He will stand trial before the Misdemeanors Court this month, according to the report.
Photo Credit: Photo by Shane T. McCoy via Flickr
