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Beware of bogus advertisements

Dubai - Ahmed Al Awadhi, Senior Director of the Field Surveillance Section said: "Unfortunately there are several consumers who get taken in by con artists who run scams and cheat consumers."

A trader who pasted advertisements on corridors and walls of multi-storey buildings and lamp posts claiming to offer visas and other services, has been booked by the field surveillance section of the Department of Economic Development-Dubai (DED).
After calling the advertiser on the phone number he had advertised - to ensure credibility of his claim - it appeared that he was working without a licence. And his method of advertising conflicted with the laws and rules endorsed by the DED.
Ahmed Al Awadhi, Senior Director of the Field Surveillance Section said: "Unfortunately there are several consumers who get taken in by con artists who run scams and cheat consumers. This is clear evidence that victims are unaware that they are dealing with bogus traders.
"Consumers fall for the fraud despite efforts taken to inculcate a sense of awareness among them. And our continuous and serious crackdowns to stamp such unhealthy and adverse phenomena fall on deaf ears."
Al Awadhi urged consumers not to deal with such bogus traders. Even if they serve customers from time to time, in the long run the customer will be taken for a ride, he said.
He added that corridors and lamp posts in certain areas of the city are dotted with such advertisements. They definitely catch the attention of customers, but the practice is illegal and those behind such adverts will be held accountable.
However, sometimes such advertisements are missed by inspectors. In such cases, the public should be aware and should inform authorities.
"When the public ignore such ads, fraudster will realise that the consumer is well aware of his/her rights and duties and ultimately will discontinue the practice," he added.
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com