Telecom provider e&, based in the United Arab Emirates, has issued a strong warning to the public following a recent fraud event, urging them to be wary of providing personal information online and to avoid clicking on risky links.
UAE's E&S Issues Warning Against Online Scams
In response to a recent incident where a Dubai resident, U.B., fell victim to a scam involving a counterfeit website resembling Etisalat's, the telecom operator e& has issued a cautionary advisory urging vigilance against unsafe online links and the sharing of personal information. U.B. recounted her experience when she received a call from a friend requesting a recharge for an e-sim.
Despite her usual caution, she inadvertently accessed a fraudulent website that closely mirrored Etisalat's legitimate site but contained a subtle spelling error. Unaware of the discrepancy, she proceeded to enter her card details and swiftly approved an OTP (one-time password), resulting in a deduction of Dh1,954.75 from her account.
E&'s Response and Advisory
Reflecting on her misfortune, U.B. acknowledged her oversight and emphasized the importance of scrutinizing website URLs and reading OTP messages thoroughly to avoid falling prey to such scams. This incident prompted e& to disseminate a video through social media, demonstrating how fraudulent sites mimic official ones like www.emirates.co.ae or www.etisalat.com, often lacking secure website indicators. The company's advisory advises users to refrain from sharing OTPs and clicking on suspicious links, advocating for safer practices such as using official apps or bank platforms for transactions.
In collaboration with the Cyber Security Council of the UAE, e& launched an awareness campaign featuring practical tips to prevent scam encounters. These guidelines stress the importance of verifying the legitimacy of communication channels—email, voice calls, social media, WhatsApp, and SMS—while cautioning against disclosing personal or financial information hastily.
The campaign also educates users on identifying common signs of fraudulent communications and offers resources to block malicious websites and report fraudulent activities.
Abi-Gail Marshman, an expert in financial crime consulting, emphasized the increasing sophistication of fraud scams and the need for individuals to exercise skepticism and pause before responding to unsolicited communications. She advised individuals to verify the authenticity of calls or messages, especially in urgent situations, by disconnecting and contacting the organization directly through official channels.
Marshman highlighted a cultural complacency in the UAE due to its safety reputation, urging residents to adopt a more vigilant mindset akin to global standards. She emphasized the importance of skepticism towards unfamiliar contacts or suspicious links, stressing that proactive caution is crucial in preventing financial fraud and safeguarding personal assets.
Ultimately, the cautionary tale of U.B. serves as a poignant reminder for residents to prioritize online security and adopt stringent verification practices to thwart increasingly sophisticated cyber threats prevalent in today's digital landscape.
