22 members of two phone scam gangs arrested in joint police operation in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Authorities join forces to uncover a fraud plot spanning the two emirates

 Police in Abu Dhabi have stepped up efforts to put an end to phone scamming.  AP

A gang of 22 fraudsters who tried to con unsuspecting members of the public out of cash in a phone scam plot have been arrested after a joint police operation in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

One of the gangs was involved in a phishing operation, in which they pretended to be employees of legitimate companies to persuade people to reveal personal information, and used the details to steal victim's money.

The men, including the alleged mastermind of the fraud, were arrested by Abu Dhabi Police after support from colleagues in Dubai.

Brigadier General Imran Ahmad Al Mazroui, director of criminal investigation at Abu Dhabi Police’s criminal security department, said the gangs had been operating out of two residential apartments.

He praised the co-ordination and co-operation of police in Abu Dhabi and Dubai who were involved in the operation to arrest the gangs.

In a post on Instagram, Abu Dhabi Police warned people to be vigilant against fraudulent calls and promises of fake prizes designed to steal people’s credit card numbers and personal details. Anyone aware of scams should report them by calling 800 2626, it said.

The post tagged a number of banks, including Al Hilal Bank, RAKBank, Standard Chartered UAE, ADIB and FAB.