23 June 2009
Abu Dhabi Police warns against cell phone fraud
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ warned cell phones users against fraud through cell phone calls and SMS. According to Lt. Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Bu Rasheed, Head of Organized Crime Section of the CID at Abu Dhabi Police, the crimes using cell phone technology are new set of crimes worldwide. Co operation between ADP and Emirates Telecommunications Company would help in solving this problem and detect the culprits.
He regretted that some victims of these acts do not report the incidents to the police, either for social or other reasons. He confirmed that HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister, Minster of Interior, had stressed the importance of the role of families in educating and protecting their children from the risks and negative aspects of advanced technologies.
The number of deceiving calls and fraudulent SMS during the last two months reached 18 in Abu Dhabi. The criminals gained amounts in the range of Dh 2,500 – 7,000. He gave an example of an Asian person who lost huge amount through a fraudulent call informed him that he had won Dh 200,000. The person on the other end of the line, who was Asian as well, asked the victim to send money in order to get his prize through balance charging cards. Bu Rasheed urged users of cell phones not to respond or believe SMS.
UAE woman lost Dh 95,000 in fraudulent crime
According to Head of Organized Crime Section of CID at ADP, Lt. Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad BU Rasheed a UAE woman identified as H. M. (40 years), lodged a complaint against a fraudster who stole Dh 95,000 from her through balance charging cards.
The culprit informed the lady that she had won half million Dirham a “mirage”.
The case is now under investigation and the report to be submitted to the court.