Shoppers in Bahrain who have applied for prize draws at commercial establishments and banks are being warned against scams that could end up turning their moment of joy into despair.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar stated that scammers are impersonating employees in an attempt to get personal information about people relating to their bank accounts in a bid to take away their money.
Speaking on the Al Aman programme on social media, he urged all those participating in the prize draws to not fall foul of the fakers, stating that the banks and establishments already hold all the information they need.
“Everybody wants to win prizes, and you will find people participating in them and waiting eagerly for the announcement to see if they win or not,” said Col Dr Bahar. “It is a legitimate aspiration, but this is where the scammers come in.
“They have some of your information, and need to get the rest of it from you in order to access your bank account to take your money. Be careful and remember that the bank already has all the information it needs.
“So if you are lucky enough to win a prize, no matter what it is, the bank or other establishments will never ask you for your personal details, including your account number, personal identification numbers such as CPR or passport, or one-time passwords (OTP).”
Col Dr Bahar explained what happens when you win something in a prize draw, reiterating that nobody will ask anything from you, and that even if you miss the call, you will not miss out on anything.
“The employee who calls you will simply inform that you have won the prize,” he said. “Even if you do not pick up the phone or miss the call, that will not change and you will not miss out on the prize.
“When you win the draw, you will not lose out on anything just because you missed one call.
If you would like confirmation, call the bank itself using their official numbers and ask them yourself. If they confirm with you and tell you that you are the lucky winner, you have every right to celebrate and share the good news with everybody.”
Col Dr Bahar concluded by stating that whoever receives a call from one of the scammers should warn those around them, and help them stay alert and be aware.
People who have encountered such scams or fallen victims to them should contact the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security by calling the hotline at 992.
Additionally, they can contact the directorate on WhatsApp at 17108108 or fill out a report form available on the official website (www.acees.gov.bh/acees-form/).
Finally, if a scam involves a bank account or card details, people should contact their bank immediately, explain the situation to them, and freeze the card.
The GDN reported in May that 10 victims were scammed out of nearly BD3,500, after falling prey to an elaborate scheme that started with them being invited to take part in a draw at a popular shopping mall.
The victims were approached to participate in a draw for travel packages, received a call from the ‘organisers’ who informed them that they had won, and were then pressured into purchasing ‘add-ons’ that would ‘save them hundreds of dinars’. On the travel date, the victims found out they had been scammed and all attempts to contact the conmen failed.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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