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Watch out! That SMS from your 'UAE bank' could be fake

Sharjah/Fujairah - Police have received a number of complaints from those who got such fake messages from local numbers.

Scammers sending text messages - in order to get residents' private bank information, hack into their accounts, and steal funds - are still on the prowl, authorities have said. 
To crack down on this fraud, the central investigation department (CID) of Sharjah and Fujairah Police have stepped up their search for gangs involved in such activities inside and outside the country.
Police officials pointed out that despite awareness campaigns being carried out by the Ministry of Interior across the UAE, there are still people who fall victim to these crimes.
The police have received a number of complaints from those who got such fake messages from local numbers.
Some members of these organised gangs have already been arrested. However, as the fraudulent messages continue to widen their net on social media, the police have intensified their efforts to put an end to the scam.
Disregard that SMS
A top official at the Sharjah Police said the department has launched awareness drives, warning the public of fake messages circulated by fraudsters posing as bank employees.
These scammers may claim that victims have to update their "personal bank information" so they have to share the details.
He said they had received several reports on scam incidents that usually take the form of text messages and malicious websites that could get victims to provide details related to their bank accounts, including their debit card numbers, passwords, and security codes.
All bank customers have been asked to completely disregard such messages.
The Sharjah Police have urged residents not to disclose their bank information through unauthorised online services. Everyone is advised to complete transactions only through their bank's official channels.
Scam incidents must be reported to the police on the numbers 065943446 and 065943228 or through the e-mail address tech_crimes@shjpolice.gov.ae.
Community cooperation is vital
The Fujairah Police have already arrested a number of fraudsters and referred them to courts, a top official said, but they are still intensifying the clampdown on such scams.
They also emphasised the importance of residents' help in spreading awareness messages.
"The fraud can't be curbed without the cooperation of the community," the official said.
He added that UAE banks are also doing their bit in reminding customers not to respond to shady messages and e-mails. They stress that whenever needed, customers should directly contact the banks through the local numbers mentioned on their letterheads.
People can also visit any branch of the bank to check the details.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com