Gang busted as UAE resident is duped of Dh96,000 in SMS fraud

Sharjah - One of the gang members had allegedly sent a text message to the unsuspecting customer, telling him to update his bank records.

A gang of fraudsters allegedly embezzled Dh96,000 from the account of a bank customer, the Sharjah Police have said. The cops have busted the nine-member gang that sent bogus text messages to residents, claiming to be their bank's representatives.
One of the gang members had allegedly sent a text message to the unsuspecting customer, telling him to update his bank records. The gang withdrew Dh96,000 from his account using the information he gave out.
Colonel Hamad Al Riyami, acting director of the Central Region Police Department, said a team of officers from the criminal investigation department analysed the gang's modus operandi. The Asian fraudsters would 'warn' residents that their bank accounts would be frozen if they did not update their data. "They would scare the banking customers by telling them they will not be able to withdraw even their salaries," the officer said.
The police have seized a large number of phones and chips from them.
The officer has called on residents to be cautious when they get such calls and report them to the police. "Bank representatives would never ask their customers to reveal personal data over the phone or e-mail or text messages," said Colonel Al Riyami.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

• Sharjah