UAE Police have issued a warning over online scammers targeting weekend and public holiday transactions.
Fraudsters are using car sale websites to hoax people out of money, according to a post by Sharjah Police on social media.
According to Sharjah Police a new online scam is being detected that takes advantage of relaxed banking hours over weekends and holidays.
UAE weekend and holiday banking warning
Sharjah Police have alerted the public to be wary of the scam, particularly when buying a car online.
The reported frauds follow a certain pattern.
Scammers have approached people selling cars on auto websites with a bogus attempt to buy a car. In each case a fake cheque is deposited with the seller, at which point an automated message from the bank states “A cheque has been deposited for the agreed amount and the deposit is being collected”
Upon receipt of the text message from a bank, unaware vehicle sellers are unwittingly completing sales procedures and letting the fraudster take away the vehicle.
Only later, when banks reopen and the fraud is uncovered does a seller realise the crime has been committed. By which time the vehicle is stolen.
Sharjah Police has called on people to be alert to the fraud and asked concerned residents to call 800 2626 if they are concerned.
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