Abu Dhabi Police Issue Alert On Online Fraud In Vehicle And Goods Sales

The General Command of Abu Dhabi Police has recently raised alarms over an increase in internet and social media scams involving the sale of items, particularly vehicles, through fraudulent transactions. These scams typically employ counterfeit payment receipts or delayed payment confirmations, enabling scammers to unlawfully acquire possession of goods without completing a legitimate purchase process.

Brigadier General Muslim Mohammed Al Ameri, the Acting Director of the Criminal Security Sector, has underscored the Abu Dhabi Police's dedication to raising awareness about these deceptive practices. The force aims to guide the public in identifying and reporting such incidents effectively, alongside bolstering preventive strategies to safeguard individuals from becoming scam victims.

Detailing the scam's operation, Al Ameri pointed out that it usually starts when an individual lists an item for sale on social media or specialized applications. After reaching an agreement with the seller on the sale terms, the fraudster presents falsified bank receipts, indicating that the payment will be processed after several days. Relying on these fraudulent assurances, the seller might hand over the item to the scammer, who then disappears.

To combat this, Al Ameri advises sellers to ensure the actual payment has been received and cleared before finalizing any transactions. This step is crucial in preventing the clever tactics employed by scammers who falsely represent the sale as legitimate.

Furthermore, Brigadier General Al Ameri emphasized the significance of promptly contacting authorities upon suspecting or encountering fraudulent activities. He encouraged the public to utilize the Abu Dhabi Police's "Aman" service for reporting. This service is available 24/7, allowing community members to contribute to crime prevention efforts in a confidential manner. Reports can be filed by calling the toll-free number 8002626 (AMAN2626), sending text messages to 2828, emailing [email protected], or via the Abu Dhabi Police General Command's smart app.

This initiative reflects the Abu Dhabi Police's proactive approach to engaging the community to ensure a secure environment, highlighting the shared responsibility between law enforcement and the public in crime prevention and ensuring the safety of transactions in the digital age.