Abu Dhabi Police issues warning to UAE citizens regarding deceptive delivery scams circulating in the region
In recent times, there has been a surge in sophisticated email and SMS scams targeting residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These scams, aimed at extracting sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers, are a cause for concern for both individuals and authorities.
One common tactic used in these scams is the impersonation of government agencies, banks, or courier companies. Scammers frequently exploit the names and logos of well-known local and international courier companies to add legitimacy to their fraudulent communications. Urgent requests for small payments to release parcels are a red flag in these scams.
Case in point, an individual nearly lost AED 40,000 from his credit card after attempting to pay a small "delivery fee" in a scam. Fortunately, he recognised the scam in time. Another resident received a phishing email while waiting for a credit card delivery from his bank, which was confirmed as a scam by authorities.
Phishing attacks, disguised as legitimate emails, pose a growing risk with the rise of digital communication. These attacks often include fake links requesting login details or card numbers. Clicking on these links can lead to the theft of personal and financial data, which cybercriminals then use to impersonate victims, apply for credit cards or loans, open bank accounts, or commit further fraud.
Investigations reveal that such scams are often operated by large criminal networks based outside the UAE. The available search results do not specify which international crime rings are behind the phishing attacks targeting residents of the UAE.
To combat these scams, Abu Dhabi Police and the UAE Cybersecurity Council have issued a warning against these sophisticated email and SMS scams. Leading courier companies in the UAE have also published online safety tips to help customers recognise fraudulent emails and messages.
Authorities and cybersecurity experts urge the public to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report fraudulent messages to protect themselves from online fraud and identity theft. By staying informed and taking precautions, residents can help keep themselves safe from these scams.
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