In the contemporary digital landscape, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters adopting new tactics to deceive unsuspecting consumers. Whether it's a parcel supposedly held at customs, a streaming subscription claiming expiration, or a free voucher for a favorite brand, scammers are using highly convincing methods to trick their victims," stated Neil Fernandes, Head of Risk for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Visa.
"With the rapid rise in digital payments, it is crucial, now more than ever, for consumers in the UAE to comprehend the language of fraud and exercise a high degree of caution," Fernandes emphasized.
Scammers employ various strategies to create messages that seem legitimate and prompt recipients to take immediate action. Authorities, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions consistently issue alerts, urging residents to be cautious and avoid sharing personal and financial details with unknown entities.
Online shoppers are advised to use reputable platforms to prevent falling victim to scams. Several cases reported by Khaleej Times highlight instances where shoppers failed to verify the authenticity of platforms and fell prey to fraudsters.
To protect against cyber fraud, here are some simple yet effective practices:
- Keep personal account information confidential.
- Verify links before clicking to ensure they lead to legitimate destinations.
- Regularly check purchase alerts, offering near real-time notifications of account transactions.
- Contact the number listed on corporate websites or the back of credit/debit cards to verify the legitimacy of a communication.
A survey conducted by Wakefield Research across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa found that UAE consumers who consider themselves more knowledgeable about scams are more likely to respond to scam requests than those who claim less knowledge. The study highlighted concerns among respondents about friends, family, children, and retired individuals falling victim to online scams. The survey also revealed that only 60% of respondents check if a communication is sent from a valid email address, and 51% verify the inclusion of the company name or logo in the message.