The Ministry of Commerce has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a significant increase in fraud and scam attempts occurring through platforms such as WhatsApp, suspicious emails, and unreliable websites. Reports from Al-Seyassah highlight a recent surge in fraudulent activities, wherein scammers exploit unregistered numbers, fake companies, and dubious online platforms to deceive consumers.

Stay Cautious: Protect Your Personal Information

The Ministry strongly urged citizens and residents to remain cautious and avoid sharing any personal or banking information through text messages or WhatsApp with unverified parties. They emphasized the importance of not clicking on links from unknown numbers or unfamiliar sources, as these could lead to malicious websites.

Consumers should ensure that businesses are registered and approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry before proceeding with any transactions. This verification step is crucial to safeguard personal and financial information.

Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Additionally, the Ministry cautioned against being lured in by attractive offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use unrealistic deals to entice unsuspecting victims. Increased awareness and vigilance are necessary as these fraudulent tactics become more sophisticated.

Take Precautionary Measures

To protect themselves from falling victim to scams, individuals are encouraged to:

• Verify the legitimacy of companies before engaging with them.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information through unverified channels.
• Research offers thoroughly to identify any red flags.

The Ministry's proactive approach calls for increased consumer awareness to combat these deceptive practices effectively.

The Ministry of Commerce urges everyone to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from scams. By staying informed and cautious, consumers can help reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities.