Malware using fake Abu Dhabi Police page dupes victims into paying Dh2,400

  DUBAI – A newly revived scam tricks UAE residents into paying Dh2,400 through malware that launches a fake Abu Dhabi Police page asking unsuspecting victims to pay the hefty fine. The fake webpage, which takes over the full screen of the infected computer, launches along with a warning sound and a credit card payment form. The warning message is riddled with grammatical mistakes. It claims that the “browser has been locked” after the user allegedly viewed materials forbidden by the UAE, and that in order to unlock the browser, the user must pay a Dh2,400 fine with their MasterCard or Visa card within one hour. “Your browser will be unlocked automatically after the fine payment… Any attempt to unlock the device, case materials will be transferred to Dubai Police Force,” the message on the fake webpage claims. An Expatmedia.net investigation revealed the user simply needs to press the escape key (Esc) to minimize the screen and reveal the real website URL in the browser, which is http://gucccibrathers.cf/uae/?ev. Expatmedia.net has reported the fake page to police. The authentic website of Abu Dhabi Police is https://www.adpolice.gov.ae/. This is not the first time that cyber criminals have targeted UAE residents by using  a fake Abu Dhabi Police page. Authorities have repeatedly warned residents not to respond to the message or click on any links on the fake website. "Malwares were created the intention of making money. Criminals use malware to steal or hijack data on your computer," Jessel Tan, an IT and SEO specialist in Dubai, told Expatmedia.net. Tan said malware often originates from "clicking on suspicious ‘reward’ advertisements popping up over the internet". "Don't go to suspicious sites and avoid clicking unnecessary sites and pop-up ads," she advised.ICA/Expat Media

How to report suspicious activities to Abu Dhabi Police

Contact 8002626 or email Aman@adpolice.gov.ae

What is malware?

Malware is a malicious software that cyber attackers design to steal data and damage devices.

How to remove malware

- Uninstall suspicious apps or files - Delete files or apps you think may be infected - Install a robust security program on your computer - Install firewalls as a countermeasure
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