Etisalat warns customers of phone call scam

By Joanna Hartley
  • Sunday, 1 February 2009 11:09 AM
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Etisalat has issued a warning to its customers of a scam that involves fraudsters posing as its employees who tell customers they have won cash prizes, it was announced on Sunday.The Abu Dhabi-based telecommunications company has said the scam asks people for their personal information so they can claim the prize, which is then used to rip them off.

The company has confirmed it is not running any prize schemes at present.

And is urging customers not to give out any confidential information such as bank account details, PINs, eVouchers or recharge card numbers to unknown callers who contact them via phone, SMS or email.  

In a statement it says the origin of the scam is Pakistan and is not limited to UAE but is an international phenomenon.

"No such raffle or lucky draw campaign is currently being run by Etisalat. Etisalat promotions are well advertised in the media and the winners are informed through a standardised process." it said.

"In case of any confusion, customers should call 101 and verify the calls or SMS they have received," the statement added.

Earlier last week, Mobily also issued an alert for its customers to beware of similar prank calls.

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Posted by: Aisha Thursday, 17 May 2012 2:41 PM[UAE] - UAE

I just got a call from this number +971501928797 stating that I won 200000AED and that i should check the back of my sim card for some numbers and call back so they can give me a pin to claim my prize. People beware.

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Posted by: Aisha Thursday, 17 May 2012 2:41 PM[UAE] - UAE

I just got a call from this number +971501928797 stating that I won 200000AED and that i should check the back of my sim card for some numbers and call back so they can give me a pin to claim my prize. People beware.

Reply to this comment.

Posted by: Duduzile Thursday, 17 May 2012 10:39 AM[UAE] - South Africa

I am from South Africa and i just got an sms from some guy saying i won R960 000,00 from the UK PREMIER LEAGEU AWARDS,please beware fellow S.Africans.

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Posted by: Anonomous Tuesday, 15 May 2012 11:37 AM[UAE] - UAE

Another scam number is +971501938488. The scammers said I won AED 500,000 through Etisalat. They also asked for my name, nationality, passport or any identification number, and my job in the UAE. Beware.

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Posted by: Rhea Monday, 14 May 2012 3:26 PM[UAE] - United Arab Emirates

i just had a call from this number +971501361978, and he said i won AED500,000. i just let him finish talking. Posted it online, to warn other people about this scam.

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