Did you know that one UAE resident in 10 has been the victim of online credit card fraud? That statistic was revealed in a survey this year by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED), and showed that the most common category of credit card scams was fraudulent transactions, or stolen credit card details. Other scams included debit for a wrong purchase, no product delivery and cardholders being duped by fake websites.
In times when credit cards are an easier way to pay for almost everything, we often overlook the possible risks. According to a report by Network International, domestic spending on cards in the UAE increased by 12 per cent in the first quarter this year, as compared with the same period last year, suggesting that residents are increasingly using their cards for purchases and need to be more aware of scams.
While you may think debit or ATM cards are less risky, they are still a hot target for scammers. Popular scams include shoulder surfing to obtain your Pin code and phishing emails that trick you into giving out your personal details. Other advanced scams include use of skimming devices, fake keypads and cash trapping equipment.
To safeguard yourself from losing your money at the hands of fraudsters take precautionary measures wherever possible. Here, the team from the financial comparison website Souqalmal.com lists its tips to protect yourself from being scammed at the ATM:
• Use your bank’s SMS service, which informs you of purchased items and withdrawals, to keep track of your purchases.
• Do not use machines that look dodgy or tampered with. Use ATMs in banks or inside malls. Avoid using free-standing cash machines, which can be easily targeted by scammers.
• Make sure the person behind you does not get a view of your Pin. Also, cover the keypad to prevent any hidden cameras from recording your Pin.
• Contact your bank immediately if your card is jammed or confiscated. Do not leave the ATM while you call them to resolve the issue.
• Do not rely on the help of strangers to retrieve your card if it gets stuck.
• Do not share your card information with anyone, especially the Pin. Jot down your code in a password-protector app on your phone instead of writing it down on a piece of paper.
• Do not hand over your card to any unauthorised person.
• Be cautious about giving out information to people who call you or send emails. Most banks warn customers against sharing their Pin, or other sensitive information with bank personnel.
• Trust your instincts. If something seems strange with an ATM machine or the people around it, just walk away.
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
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THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Key facilities
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