Abu Dhabi Police Issue Warning On Social Media Scams Leveraging Events

In a recent advisory, Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) have issued a warning to the public about the rise in fraudulent activities online, particularly through calls and counterfeit websites shared on social media platforms. These fraudulent schemes are designed to exploit various events, activities, and occasions, presenting fake services or benefits to lure individuals into their traps. The police have highlighted the sophisticated methods employed by scammers to deceive their victims, primarily focusing on obtaining sensitive bank account information which is then used to withdraw funds.

ADP has strongly advised against clicking on suspicious links or sharing any confidential information such as account details, card numbers, online banking passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs) for ATMs, or security codes. They emphasized that legitimate bank employees would never request such sensitive information from their customers. In light of these fraudulent activities, the public is urged to report any suspicious calls or attempts to obtain their banking information by visiting the nearest police station or contacting the security service directly at 8002626, or via text message to 2828.

To further safeguard the community from these cyber threats, Abu Dhabi Police have recommended the activation of protection programmes. These programmes are crucial in enhancing online security, effectively eliminating harmful websites that contain electronic codes aimed at accessing and depleting individuals' savings. The police also caution against succumbing to any false temptations that promise benefits but are designed to defraud unsuspecting victims.

This warning from ADP serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance when navigating online spaces and handling personal and financial information. By staying informed about the tactics used by scammers and taking proactive steps to protect oneself, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to these deceitful schemes.

With inputs from WAM