UAE central bank warns of rising tide of online fraud scams
Central bank issues warning about malicious phone calls and WhatsApp messages claiming to be from the bank
The UAE Central Bank has warned consumers about malicious phone calls and WhatsApp messages claiming to be from the bank, which are of a fraudulent nature.
"We at Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) confirm that we never ask consumers about financial information... CBUAE alerts the public to avoid responding to such calls, messages, and opening any hyperlink that may be attached, which may provide exposure to a malicious website and inform authorities immediately," the central bank said in a statement
It added that this type of fraudulent activity has been on the rise lately with scammers using the name of the central bank to obtain private information about personal and bank account information.
CBUAE reminded consumers of the importance of protecting their bank account information and credit/debit cards from fraud and unauthorised use.
"The public should be aware that CBUAE never conducts phone calls (unless a consumer complaint has been logged through the right channels with a reference number) or uses social media to contact individuals or businesses," the statement added.
It said that any suspected fraudulent phone call should be reported to the respective authorities, adding that it is closely working with concerned authorities to halt such fraudulent activities.