COVID-19: Saudi Commerce Ministry warns against misuse of its name to raise money

Dubai: The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has warned against false and misleading advertisements that are using the image or impersonating Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed bin Abdullah Al Qasabi to raise money.

Abdul Rahman Al Hussain, spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the fraud and misleading advertisements are promoting investments under various fake names including "Message from HRH the Crown Prince", "Investment opportunities for Saudis only" and "Opportunities for Citizens", etc,.

As per the ministry’s statement, marketing or publishing such advertisements is a crime punishable by law. These advertisements are an explicit violation of the e-commerce regulation.

The ministry noted that such types of ads are usually circulated on social media with misleading pictures and messages. Those involved in such violations will be penalised strongly, including blocking the website, stopping the practice of this activity and naming and shaming.