Dubai: A new scam is making the rounds in the UAE, and police are alerting residents on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Sharjah Police has warned residents not to respond to WhatsApp messages from family and friends that request for money, as the messages are most probably fake.
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Residents were also cautioned to always verify the authenticity of such messages before taking any action.
Captain Mohsen Ahmad, director of the electronics department at Sharjah Police, explained that con artists would initially send messages to victims who won a ‘cash prize’, while claiming to represent telecommunications companies or other large and well-known businesses.
WhatsApp verification codes were then sent to the victims, which had to be verified in order to claim their cash prize.
The cyber criminals would then gain access to the victim’s contact list, and pose as friends or relatives who asked for money.
Contact
Residents who receive such types of fake messages are urged to contact Sharjah Police on 06 5943228 or via email to Tec_crimes@shjpolice.gov.ae.
All complaints will be treated with privacy and confidentiality.
