Abu Dhabi Police have warned of a fresh wave of online scams, promising job opportunities, pets for sale and discount deals.
The force warned of the risks posed by cyber criminals claiming to represent government organisations and established brands to lure in unsuspecting members of the public.
Police said some fraudsters used cold calls or text messages and set up fake websites to snare sensitive financial information and data.
One scheme involves setting up websites purporting to be recruitment companies, in which people are asked to pay sums of money in return for the jobs which they eventually discover never existed.
Other scam sites have been created in the names of well-known restaurant and supermarket chains offering special offers that can be obtained by providing credit card details.
Police also cautioned against being tricked by criminals offering pets for sale online, where buyers will be asked to bear the cost of transportation fees from outside the country.
Abu Dhabi Police said the public should never share confidential information, such as bank account details, online passwords, credit and debit card security codes, to unverified sources.
Police asked the public to report any suspicious activity through its Aman service by calling 800 2626 or texting 2828.
Stepping up the fight against fraud
The vital message comes only weeks after Dubai Police underlined the need for people to remain vigilant against online crime.
Police urged motorists not to fall foul of a widely circulated scam involving fake traffic fine notices.
Cybercriminals have sought to dupe drivers with messages featuring an official logo and similar layout used by the force.
Recipients of such emails are informed they must pay a traffic fine and are requested to settle the payment within 24 hours by clicking a link.
The link then directs them to a website designed to resemble Dubai Police, where users are prompted to enter personal information, including credit card details, to pay the supposed fine.
If the person does not respond, a second email is sent as a final reminder, warning the penalty must be paid within seven days.
“Dubai Police issues an urgent alert to the public, warning them against phishing emails,” the force tweeted in July.
“Scammers are using deceitful tactics, urging recipients to click on a link to pay fines and service fees. We urge community members to exercise caution and stay vigilant, as well as to verify the authenticity of any email claiming to be from Dubai Police to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent practices.”
How to protect yourself
Experts have advised people to invest in personal insurance to protect against online scams.
They are warning that a rise in the number of fake emails, bogus calls and duplicitous text messages aimed at tricking people into divulging personal details, stealing their money and even their identities warrants such measures.
In April, The National revealed how the UAE's Etisalat by e& was the latest company to offer personal cybercrime insurance to safeguard against online banking fraud, credit card scams, loss of internet purchases, cyber extortion and identity theft.
The policies offered by Etisalat for personal insurance start from Dh63 for a single device, which covers a potential payout of $5,000 if funds are stolen.
Etisalat customers can purchase cyber crime insurance from the provider's website. A policy can usually be set up directly on the website by sharing contact details and providing photo identification, such as an Emirates ID.
Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Rest
(Because Music)
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km
