Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has arrested two Arab nationals linked to a complex electronic fraud operation. The arrests were made by the General Directorate of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations after an investigation revealed a counterfeit website that closely resembled an official platform. The fraudsters utilized this misleading site to attract unsuspecting victims, allowing them to access their bank accounts. Once they acquired funds unlawfully, the money was swiftly transferred through exchange offices and cryptocurrency trading platforms, complicating the tracing process. Legal actions are currently being initiated against the individuals involved.
The Royal Oman Police strongly urges the public to exercise heightened vigilance when engaging with websites. It is essential to confirm the legitimacy and trustworthiness of any online platform before sharing personal or financial details. Additionally, citizens and residents are advised to avoid responding to requests for receiving or transferring funds that may be linked to illegal activities. The ROP's advisory aims to prevent further victimization and safeguard the public from such fraudulent schemes.
Commerce Ministry issues alert
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has also issued a public alert, cautioning against transferring funds to personal accounts during online purchases. This warning follows a rise in online fraud incidents, where individuals are misusing registered commercial records from the Oman Business Platform to run fraudulent e-commerce sites, deceiving consumers.
To promote a safe online shopping experience, the Ministry highly advises consumers to buy products and services exclusively from e-commerce platforms that are licensed by the Ministry and validated on the Maroof Oman platform. Additionally, it is crucial to confirm that the contact information provided by online retailers corresponds with what is found in their official commercial registration. Importantly, consumers should avoid making payments to personal accounts during online transactions. By following these recommendations, individuals can greatly minimize the likelihood of falling victim to fraud and suffering financial losses.
