Money laundering scam uses fake UN and DIFC logos
Dubai’s finance authority has warned that scammers are targeting residents with false documents bearing the logos of the UN and the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The con artists are contacting people to tell them that US$6.5 million (Dh23.87m) has been cleared from money laundering and terrorism charges, and that they can receive the funds belonging to the people mentioned in the certificates.
They tell their target that they can receive the money by investing in a company called First Security Service, which they claim is incorporated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
“The DFSA wishes to advise that the DIFC authority does not issue international money laundering clearance certificates for the purpose of clearing individuals from involvement in any terrorist activities, and the false certificate appears to have been produced for a fraudulent and malicious purpose,” the authority said.
The fake clearance certificate also bears a false signature of the DIFC secretary general.
“There is no such authority as the DIFC secretary general,” the authority said. “The DFSA strongly advises that you do not respond to any communications from First Security Service or relating to this scam, and under no circumstances should you send or give any money to any party in connection with the scam.” The DFSA warned it does not incorporate companies and that First Security Service has never been authorised or regulated by it.
“The signature on the fake Certificate of Incorporation is not the signature of the chairman of the DFSA,” it said.
“The name of the individual who appears on the fake international money laundering clearance certificate has been used without authority.”
Residents and financial services companies can access the DFSA website section dedicated to alerts about scams to check for updated information.