Stay Alert! Dubai Police Warn Public to Beware of Holiday Scams, Urging Vigilance Against Fraudulent Websites Offering Deceptive Discounts
A Dubai resident has come forward to share a cautionary tale, urging others to stay vigilant amidst a rise in online orders during Eid Al Adha. Falling victim to scammers, the resident revealed the unfortunate incident where he placed an order for burgers, fries, drinks, and toys from what he believed to be the website of a popular fast-food chain. The bill was supposed to be a mere Dh37 due to a tempting 50% discount, but shockingly, he ended up being charged a whopping Dh4,848 with no food delivered to his doorstep.
According to the resident, it all started when he innocently clicked on a pop-up ad, enticed by the offer that appeared to be from his favorite fast-food restaurant. Trusting his loyalty would be rewarded, he eagerly took advantage of the seemingly great deal. Little did he know that the promotional payment of Dh37 would turn into a scam, as he received a bank message confirming a transaction of Dh4,848.
Heartbroken and without any food to show for it, the resident bravely came forward to share his story, hoping to prevent others from experiencing a similar fate. He promptly reported the incident to both the police and his bank, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness in the face of increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals.
The Dubai Police have long stressed the importance of vigilance, particularly during holidays when fraudulent websites capitalize on the allure of significant discounts resembling those of renowned brands. They advise the public against sharing confidential bank data, such as the CVV number and OTP, while urging caution when verifying URLs and avoiding unknown sources.
Having learned his lesson, the resident, whose identity remains undisclosed for confidentiality purposes, implores internet users to exercise caution and exclusively make purchases from trusted and verified websites. Let’s heed this warning and stay one step ahead of cyber felons, ensuring a safe and secure online shopping experience.
