Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Scammers are reportedly targeting UAE residents and internet users with WhatsApp calls or messages from international numbers offering them high-paying jobs. Several WhatsApp users have taken to social media to reveal that they have lost money after being victimized by WhatsApp scammers. According to victims, scammers make WhatsApp calls or messages from international numbers, including +254 (Kenya), +251 (Ethiopia), +60 (Malaysia), +62 (Indonesia) and +84 (Vietnam). Indian billionaire Nithin Kamath recently shared how someone he knew fell victim to the scam and lost about Rs500,000 (Dh22,369). The scammers pose as company agents offering part-time remote jobs. The victims are first lured by small rewards for tasks, but would later have a bulk of their money siphoned off. “It started with a response to a part-time job offer on WhatsApp. The first few tasks were about leaving fake reviews for resorts and restaurants in random places like Peru. Rs30,000 (Dh1,342) was transferred to the bank for the task completed,” Kamath said. The businessman said that the victim was then asked to trade on a mock crypto platform, and that later was asked to transfer real money to the platform. Lured by promises of high returns, the victim transferred cash but later found out that the money could not be withdrawn. “The police shared many cases. Even well-educated folks borrowing tens of and losing it in such sophisticated scams. Everyone is a target and we need to create awareness. The important thing to remember is that there is no easy way to make a lot of money quickly,” Kamath said. Authorities in the UAE have repeatedly warned residents against responding to unknown messages or calls, saying this can leave them vulnerable to scams. ICA/Expat Media
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