Dubai: A warning about perfume has resurfaced the internet and its time to sniff it out.
In the latest bout of rumours circulating on social media in the UAE, perfume-sprayed paper have allegedly been laced with drugs.
The message also claims that criminals disguised as perfume vendors use the drug-fuelled paper to knock their victims unconscious, before robbing them.
In a message spread on WhatsApp, the message says: “This was received from a senior police officer this morning. Take note and alert everyone you want to protect. Knowledge is power! It can save a life! Please forward to friends who are in your contacts.”
The claims are completely fake, and looks almost identical to the perfume hoax that was circulating in the UK back in 2016. Moreover, the message does not provide any evidence or references as to where these incidents took place.
If residents receive any kind of messages that they may be unsure of its claims, they can contact Dubai Police on their non-emergency line 901.
This is not the first perfume-related rumour that has spread in the country.
In 2008, police in Abu Dhabi denied rumours that some vendors were selling a perfume that could kill users in four days.
The false story, which was circulated through SMS, claimed that 18 people had died and 35 were admitted to intensive care after using the perfume.
Punishable by crime
Spreading malicious rumours on the internet is a crime in the UAE, and can be punishable by imprisonment and a fine not exceeding Dh1 million.
Under Federal Legal Decree No 5 for 2012 on combating cybercrimes, spreading rumours “damaging social peace and public order” and causing damage to “national peace” empowers the UAE government to prosecute concerned individuals.
Article 29 of the Federal Legal Decree No 5 for 2012 states those proven guilty face imprisonment and a civil fine not exceeding Dh1 million.
