Don’t fall for these messages
Watch out for scammers targeting gullible bank customers by sending them fraudulent messages to update personal details
sharjah — Don’t respond to any SMS purportedly sent by your bank, ‘warning’ that your card would be blocked if you don’t update your details, including debit card number and pin code. It is a trick to empty out cash from your account, the Sharjah Police have warned.
Scammers are on the prowl and targeting many gullible bank customers by sending them such fraudulent messages to trap them.
The rampant fraud has prompted the Sharjah Police to launch an intensified investigation, with the criminal investigation department and cybercrime and electronic frauds department teaming up to crack down on the proliferating gangs.
A top Sharjah Police official said that the action came in the wake of a large number of complaints lodged at various police stations. “Unfortunately, some of the bank clients lost huge amounts after the conmen used the details to purchase from online stores and indulged in other kinds of unauthorised transactions,” he said.
Two of the victims responded to the text message which claimed that their debit card could be blocked for not updating information. They immediately called the number 0544529893. An Asian attended to their call and spoke to them in English and a smattering of Arabic and sought their card numbers, pin codes and personal information.
After a few days, they were shocked to receive messages that their cards had been used in making purchases and carrying out other transactions.
The police official cautioned that the bank customers must be alert and not give away any information about their debit/credit cards. He urged them to call their banks and check with them about the text message or email that they receive. They can also call the police immediately or contact the nearest police station on non-emergency number 901, he said.
The official pointed out that despite police efforts to intensify awareness among the public about such gangs, residents continue to fall victim to frauds. Police also launched awareness about scammers who call to offer a personal loan to extract banking, credit/ debit card or personal details, and drain out cash from the account.
The police have recently distributed pamphlets in which it advised the bank customers to be cautious while withdrawing money from ATM and to take necessary steps to protect their account information.
Unfortunately, some have lost huge amounts after the conmen used details to purchase from online stores.”
Sharjah Police officer