4 in 10 UAE consumers experienced online fraud attempts: survey

  DUBAI – Four in ten UAE consumers have experienced online fraud attempts in the past year, a new survey revealed. The findings were revealed on Monday (July 12) in the 2021 Stay Secure survey conducted by Dubai Police, Dubai Economy and Visa. According to the survey, 39 percent of UAE consumers admitted they have experienced an online fraud attempt. Around 27 percent of consumers have experienced phishing, while just 19 percent have experienced credit card fraud. A total of 17 percent of consumers received fake items. Up to 67 percent of consumers who experienced online fraud informed their bank, while 58 percent called customer service for assistance. A total of 72 percent changed their passcode. Half of the number of UAE consumers, or one in two consumers surveyed, said they would contact the authorities in the event of fraud. "As people spend more and more time online – including many for the first time, fraudsters are using this as an opportunity to exploit consumers’ fears and lack of knowledge,” said Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jalaf, Director of Criminal Investigation Department at Dubai Police. Consumers have fully embraced digital payments in the Covid-19 period but this does not come without risks, said Neil Fernandes, Visa's Head of Risk for Middle East and North Africa. “As consumers shift online, fraudsters have sought opportunities to exploit these changes in how people pay for goods and services. This is why constant consumer education is so much more important than ever before,” Fernandes said. UAE police have repeatedly warned residents against engaging with suspicious ads or messages on social media or emails, saying these could contain malicious links laid out by fraudsters to steal their personal or financial information. ICA/Expat Media
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