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Abu Dhabi First Bank explains how residents protect themselves from fraudsters
The largest bank in the UAE stated that scammers are taking advantage of coronavirus-related fears and using different methods to rob customers.
“They are building websites to sell counterfeit products and use fake emails, text messages and social media posts to scam you money and obtain your personal information. These emails and posts seem to be raising awareness, providing prevention tips and related cases. They may ask you to donate money to victims, provide advice on unproven treatment or contain malicious email attachments,” Abu Dhabi First Bank said in an email sent to customers to raise awareness.
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>> Cybercrime and corporate fraud cost the global economy $11
Here are the seven most common methods used by fraudsters:
>> You can get the vaccine without paying: Anyone who asks for payment to put you on the list, make an appointment for you or reserve a place in the queue is a scammer. Vaccination centers, health care providers, government authorities, or banks will never call, text or email you to ask you to provide a credit card or bank account in order to register you for the vaccine.
>> Personal protective equipment for sale: Criminals will post false advertisements online to sell coronavirus-related protective equipment and health products, including masks and hand sanitizers. They may even claim that you can buy a test kit. Once you pay, the goods will never arrive.
>> Impersonating email: Criminals may pretend to be organizations. They may send emails asking you to click on a link to receive more information, request a refund, or donate to help others. These links may take you to fake websites that ask you to enter personal information or bank details, or they may install malware on your computer or device.
>> Beware of fakes: Many delivery scams start with text messages or emails about shipping packages to your address. These messages usually include a nominal amount labeled “tracking link”, encouraging you to click on that link to receive your delivery. Although these messages usually look or sound legitimate, you should not click on links or call the phone number in the accidental delivery notice. Use a verified number or website to contact the delivery service or seller directly.
>> Your funds are in danger: Criminals may pretend to be someone from a bank or other legal organization to call you. They may tell you that your funds are at risk and you need to transfer them to a new account immediately, or if you do not update the documents and need to follow some procedures, your bank account/debit card will be frozen. This is a trick, the criminal will get your financial information, and the funds will be transferred to the criminal’s account.
>> Verify security details: You may receive text messages or emails that appear to be from your bank. You may be asked to click on a link to verify your security details and check if they are working properly so that you can continue to access your account. The link will take you to a fake website to steal your details.
>> How to protect yourself: Be alert to suspicious calls, text messages, or emails from anyone claiming to be from a bank or other trusted organization. The bank will never ask the customer to share his PIN, password or personal details, or transfer funds from the account. Do not download attachments or software, and do not let anyone remotely log in to your computer after receiving an accidental phone call or email. If you are asked to do any of these things, please decline and contact the bank immediately.
-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
Wahid Abbas
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