Abu Dhabi: In a suspected case of hacking, the email account of an Indian school principal in Abu Dhabi is being used by conmen who are demanding money from his friends.
Abdul Kader, principal of Model School Abu Dhabi, said dozens of people on his contact list have been receiving emails from his hacked Hotmail account saying he was in London and needs money urgently.
“Every day I receive at least 25 calls from friends and acquaintances asking about the email, Kader told XPRESS.
“I am in London, and in need of your help. Please send me £1,500 to enable me to complete my activities here. I will refund you as soon as I return,” reads the email, a copy of which XPRESS has obtained.
Money transfer
The email that quotes Kader’s address as Baker Street London asks the recipients to wire the money through Western Union Money transfer service.
“I came to know about it last Friday when a close friend of mine who suspected foul play took a printout and showed it to me. He knew I was very much in Abu Dhabi and will show up for the Friday prayers,” said Kader who has been in the UAE for 33 years.
The principal said he was afraid the hackers would lay their hands on sensitive data including his bank details and passport copies from the hacked account that he has been using for 15 years.
“I have lodged a complaint with the police and have also notified my bank. I was shocked to know that even the bank manager had received the same email a few days ago,” he said.
