SHARJAH // A man who organised an online scam that claimed to offer a 50 per cent discount on people’s traffic fines has been arrested.
A R, from an Arab country, used social media websites to convince his victims that he could pay off fines on their behalf with the discount.
Another person outside UAE would use stolen credit cards to pay the traffic fines. The victims would check online and see their fines have been paid and then send the money to A R.
However, the police’s website would recognise the fines had been paid using a stolen card and reinstate the amount back to the victim’s traffic file.
After Sharjah Police received a number of complaints about the fraud, the online crime unit was able to identify A R online and find out his whereabouts.
He was arrested and confessed, telling officers he targeted car lease companies as well as individuals. Upon fooling his victims, he would send their information to his partner outside the country who would use stolen credit cards to pay the fines.
A R told police he took seven percent from the total amount that was paid by the victims and he would wire the rest to his accomplice.
Sharjah police urged the public to be wary of online advertisements, and to use the proper channels when it comes to paying fines.
A R’s case has been referred to Sharjah Public Prosecution to set a trial date.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
