Scammers Deceive with Fake Consumer Websites

Fraudsters Attack with Fake Consumer Websites - Dubai Police Warning

The forms of digital crime are constantly evolving, and unfortunately, scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive their victims and steal financial data. The latest warning from the Dubai Police highlights a new, particularly alarming online scam method: deceiving unsuspecting users through fake "consumer protection" websites.

The deception mechanism

Scammers create professionally designed websites that at first glance appear to be the online platforms of official consumer protection organizations. These fake sites are spread through search engines or social media, making it easy for many users to find them when they want to file a complaint or seek help in resolving a contentious issue.

When someone stumbles upon such a site, they are usually asked to fill in the necessary information to submit a complaint: name, email address, phone number, and a detailed description of the problem. Using these, the scammers pose as "official employees," appearing credible due to the provided information, thereby gaining trust.

Remote access and data theft

Once the connection is established and trust is reinforced, the scammers ask the victim to download a so-called "remote access" application. These applications allow the scammer to see the victim's phone screen in real-time and potentially even control it.

This is particularly dangerous as it provides access to:

banking apps,

SMS-received security codes (OTPs),

saved passwords,

personal documents.

Although these programs often appear to serve customer service or technical support purposes, they actually give the scammers complete control over the device.

Financial transactions without permission

The Cybercrime Department of the Dubai Police emphasized that these attacks primarily lead to financial abuses. The scammers steal banking data and conduct transactions or purchase online goods without the victim's knowledge or consent.

Victims often do not realize in time that they have been deceived, resulting in significant financial losses. Such scams are particularly insidious because scammers obtain the data with the active cooperation of the victim, albeit through deception.

Authorities' call to the public

The Dubai Police has explicitly urged the public to use only official consumer protection channels for complaint handling or information gathering. Additionally, they strongly advise against downloading any unknown or suspicious applications, especially if recommended during phone conversations.

Attempts of fraud should be reported via the following official channels:

eCrime platform - a digital complaint platform specifically created for reporting online crimes,

901 number - the non-emergency number of the Dubai Police, where experts help document cases and determine the next steps.

Consumer protection agencies' message

The Dubai Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority also spoke on the matter, highlighting that scammers are employing increasingly creative methods, necessitating heightened vigilance from buyers.

It's important to be aware that:

always verify the legitimacy of a website or service provider before purchasing,

use only verified, reputable platforms,

do not provide confidential information through links from unknown sources,

never share OTP codes in any form.

The relevant authorities have introduced many new regulations recently to ensure fair competition and uphold consumer rights. The aim is to create a healthy market environment where scammers have no place.

What to watch out for?

To avoid similar scams, it's advisable to keep a few simple rules in mind:

Never install an application if someone asks you to over the phone, especially if it's not from an official source.

If a website seems too professional but doesn't operate under an official domain extension (e.g., .gov.ae), be suspicious.

Use antivirus software and regular security updates.

Do not enter any information on platforms that haven't been verified first.

Summary

Navigating the digital space is now an integral part of everyday life. However, this space, as convenient as it might be, also harbors many dangers—especially if not used with sufficient caution. The warning by the Dubai Police is yet another example of the cunning methods scammers use to gain access to our personal and financial data.

The only effective defense is awareness, use of official channels, and immediate reporting of suspicious situations. By paying attention to these, there's a good chance we can avoid becoming victims.

Alongside the freedom of the digital world, the responsibility is ours as well - don't give scammers the chance to exploit it.

(Source of the article: Dubai Police statement.)