Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has issued a warning to residents about fraudulent WhatsApp messages falsely claiming to be from banks, urging people to stay vigilant against online scams. In an official statement, the CBUAE cautioned the public against engaging with these messages, which are of a “fraudulent nature.” “The CBUAE advises consumers to avoid responding to such messages and opening any hyperlink that may be attached,” the statement read. Clicking on the link may direct users to a malicious website designed to steal personal banking information. The central bank clarified that it does not communicate with individuals or businesses via social media. “The public should be aware that the CBUAE never uses social media to contact individuals or businesses. We remind consumers of the importance of protecting their bank account information and credit/debit cards from fraud and unauthorized use,” the statement added. Fraudulent banking messages have become increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking official communications to deceive recipients. The scam typically involves requests for personal details, such as passwords or OTPs (one-time passwords), to gain unauthorized access to banking accounts. The CBUAE advised individuals who receive such messages to report them to their respective banks and avoid engaging with unknown senders. “If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately and report the incident,” the authority urged. Cybersecurity experts have also emphasized the importance of public awareness in preventing online financial fraud. “Scammers use tactics that create urgency, tricking victims into revealing sensitive information. Always verify messages through official channels before responding,” a cybersecurity analyst advised. ICA/Expat Media
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