Consumers in Bahrain who regularly do their shopping online are being warned against a number of scams targeted at them, with hackers sending links in messages masquerading as the shipment company.
General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security’s organised crime monitoring chief Major Fatima Al Dossary has stated that fraudsters have intensified efforts in recent months and are constantly coming up with new ways to con people.
Some people who have ordered packages from popular websites like Amazon are being sent messages on their phones from scammers, asking them to update their data or else risk losing their package.
“These messages claim to be from the website or company from which you have ordered the products, but are actually from scammers and hackers,” said Maj Al Dossary.
“They usually claim that if you do not enter or update the necessary information, the package will be returned to the supplier or country of origin.
“Information they usually ask for includes home address and card details, and they will use those details to steal money from your card.
“It is crucial to never open any links in messages, and to avoid giving them any information whatsoever.”
Maj Al Dossary said that the main reason people fall for such scams include lack of awareness, lack of patience to think things over, and having too much trust in random messages.
People’s lives have become intertwined with electronic devices and the Internet, and some people are too complacent in dealing with such things.
She stated that more people than ever before are shopping online due to convenience, and that has opened the door for scammers to take advantage.
They have especially begun targeting people who have no patience in properly browsing online and just decide to purchase items from the first link that they see.
“Scammers are creating fake websites that are designed to look legitimate, but are just there to con you out of your money,” said Maj Al Dossary.
“Sometimes, they are even designed to masquerade as well-known websites such as Amazon.
“They are usually the first link of the search engine and advertise your desired product for a price that is cheaper than normal.
“Too many people do not question why the product is cheaper, and the answer to that is usually either the quality is bad, or more probably, it is being used to lure you into giving up your debit or credit card information.
“It is therefore important to ensure that you always check the link properly before you purchase anything, and scroll down to check other links as well.”
Maj Al Dossary extended that warning to social media as well, stating that many scammers are disguising themselves as vendors and promoting products that are cheaper than usual.
She referenced the abaya scam that was popular during the Eid holidays. Fraudsters reportedly took advantage of people by offering non-existent abayas at tempting prices, and instead took their money without delivering the product.
For consumers who have been scammed, she recommends that the first step is to always call the bank.
“Cancel your card immediately,” she said. “Then contact the cybercrime hotline by calling 992.
“It is crucial to act fast, or you risk losing a large amount of money.”
The GDN reported this month that scammers were posing as public figures looking to sell cars.
Scammers were contacting citizens and residents offering them cars which they claim have been imported from a neighbouring country.
They tell the victims that they have an ‘unrepeatable opportunity’ to purchase the vehicle at a ‘special price’.
To stay up to date with scams, people are urged to join the Financial and Cyber Crimes WhatsApp group by clicking on the link in the Instagram bio @acees_bh.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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