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‘Phishing’ scammer sentenced

Despite frequent warnings against ‘phishing’ scams, by local banks, security and judicial bodies, people are still falling victim to the attacks.

Far too easily, people divulge classified banking information to people posing as bank officials over the Internet, with many considering it a ‘safe zone’.

One such story involves a man who defrauded five people using the web. The scammer sent ‘phishing’ emails to the victims, and successfully obtained their credit card details.

The fraudster then managed to convince several traffic violators to hand over money in exchange for discounted traffic fines, claiming that he knew some officers who worked for the Abu Dhabi Traffic Directorate.

The scammer went on to pay the traffic fines in full, using the credit card data he earlier ‘phished’ from his first batch of victims.

Suspicions were raised when those scammed over the web, noticed money being deducted from their accounts for traffic offences. After investigation, the scam was brought to light and police issued an arrest warrant against the wrongdoer. Although he had fled the country, the scammer was sentenced to one year in jail, followed by deportation in absentia, in all five fraud cases handled by the Abu Dhabi misdemeanors court.

However, the concerned bodies in the country were left to find a scapegoat in regards to who should shoulder the responsibility and bear the financial loss brought about by the scam.

It was later agreed that those who exchanged money for discounted fines, bear the consequences because they agreed, with the perpetrator, to circumvent the law. Further, the traffic department was requested to give back the amounts, earlier paid, to the respective banks, maintaining that the fines had not yet been paid by the original traffic offenders.

malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com