The Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning to residents about a scam that targets online sellers. Fraudsters pretending to be buyers send fake bank receipts to sellers, claiming that they have already sent the money for the purchase. The scam begins when a seller puts an item up for sale online, typically on social media. After agreeing on terms, the fake buyer sends a fake bank receipt indicating that the transfer will take a few days. Sellers often fall for this scam and hand over the items before realizing that no payment was ever made. The police advise sellers to only hand over items once the payment has been credited and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
Colonel Muslim Muhammad Al Amari, the director of the Criminal Security Sector, explained the modus operandi of the scammers. They target unsuspecting victims who are selling items online and send fake bank receipts to make it seem like they have made the payment. The fake buyers then request the items to be handed over using the fake receipt as proof of purchase. Sellers end up losing their items without receiving any payment once they realize that the bank receipt was fraudulent. Col Al Amari emphasized the importance of not giving away items until the payment has been received and verified to avoid falling for such scams.
To stay informed about the latest news and scams, residents are encouraged to follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. This will help them stay updated on any new fraud schemes and protect themselves from falling victim to such scams. In case anyone encounters such fraudulent activities, they are advised to report them immediately to the police. Residents in Abu Dhabi can contact the police through the toll-free hotline 8002626 (AMAN2626), via SMS (2828), or by sending an email to aman@adpolice.gov ae. They can also use the police’s official app to report any fraudulent activities and seek assistance from the authorities.
It is essential to be cautious when dealing with online buyers and to verify the legitimacy of any transactions before handing over items. Scammers often use fake bank receipts to deceive sellers and take advantage of their trust. By being vigilant and following the advice of law enforcement authorities, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Remember to only proceed with the transaction once the payment has been credited to avoid losing valuable items to scammers. Stay informed, report any suspicious activity, and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from online scams.
