Muscat: As awareness has been strengthened once morest fraud in the online banking sector, the gang is using new methods. In the early days, there was a practice of taking account information and other things by calling on the phone saying that the bank information was to be updated. Frauds have been done in leading commercial establishments and banks asking you to provide the OTP number and other information that you are entitled to a gift etc. However, as people become aware of such scams, gangs are coming up with new tricks.
One of the new scams is claiming that the bank account and credit and debit cards have been temporarily frozen for security reasons and to contact this number for information. In the name of Central Bank of Oman, the group is spreading fraud through social media using the logo etc. Some people have fallen into their traps. Another is the message that Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is offering cash prizes to customers. Company officials have informed that this campaign is fake. The company has come out with a statement in a situation where the advertisement regarding this is circulating on social media including WhatsApp.
At the same time, the Royal Oman Police had earlier warned not to hand over card details to unknown callers related to the banking sector. The ROP has advised not to hand over bank card details, CVV code and OTP in the instructions given to both natives and foreigners. Those in the banking sector say to remain vigilant regarding phone calls and messages asking for personal bank account, debit/credit card details, OTP (One Time Password) etc. Once the information is shared, money is withdrawn from the account. However, fraudsters are also using this method to purchase goods online. The best way to prevent such scams is to avoid sharing bank-related information over phone calls, text messages, and social media.
At the same time, such gangs take advantage of the ignorance of common people in technology etc. To create a safe banking environment in the country, the Central Bank issues timely circulars, regulations etc. to the banks and money exchange companies. Fraudsters are also using social media including Facebook. Recently, the practice of creating a fake Facebook account and extorting money from one’s close friends has increased. Many expatriates including Malayalees have lost money through this. Those in the field say that the way to prevent such people is to be aware of the scams that are happening online.
Seven foreigners arrested for online fraud
Muscat: Royal Oman Police arrested seven foreigners in connection with online fraud. The General Department of the Police Criminal Investigation Department arrested seven Asians from Seeb Vilayam in Muscat Governorate. They are being caught in an investigation conducted in collaboration with the Muscat Governorate Police Command. They trap the victims by seeking the bank account information of the customers by campaigning through social media and sending false messages.
