Ignore suspicious calls and fake social media messages, says ROP

Muscat: Locals and expats who’ve received suspicious calls or text messages, or seen social media posts that tell them they’ve won a grand prize, or have had their ATM card blocked, should ignore them, as these are just efforts made by fraudsters to extract money from unsuspecting people.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has asked people living in Oman to not fall prey to such suspicious messages, and has requested them to report such activity to the police through their hotline, 8007-7444

“Ignore all incoming social media calls and messages that claim to be coming from a communication company, a bank or a famous person requesting your personal data and PIN number, while deceiving you by telling you that you’ve won a prize in cash or in kind, or an offering of financial reward.”

“This is not the first time in recent weeks that the ROP has halted scammers from luring people. On February 1, 2020, the ROP arrested eight Africans, who’d been making counterfeit currency notes. Legal procedures against the accused are under process,” said an ROP statement at the time, adding that there were cases of fraudsters who tried to convince people they could double their money, only for the hapless victim to part with their funds, never to see them again.

Similarly, on January 23, 15 persons belonging to a cybercrime ring had been rounded up in Oman, with the police once again asking people not to be drawn into fraudulent messages, even as the police continued to monitor cases of electronic fraud that had lured in many people. The ROP said at that time, “The Royal Oman Police calls on citizens and residents to understand the importance of verifying the identity of the people they interact with and the reliability of the websites through which they communicate in electronic business operations, whether with individuals or institutions or via electronic sites and applications.”

The British Embassy in Oman, as part of its advisory to UK and other foreign nationals who came to Oman for work, residency or tourism, did warn that fraudulent activities in Oman would be punished under the full extent of the law.

“Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing cheques, unpaid debt and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can result in imprisonment and/or a fine,” said the embassy advisory. “You may be prevented from leaving the country. The same goes if you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings or are a child subject to a custody dispute.”