Mashable: These scammers use clever tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps, such as promising rewards, discounts, or partnerships with reputable entities.

Beware of the fake government officials who want to steal your money. If you receive a text message or a phone call from someone claiming to be a government official offering you a great deal or a service, don’t fall for it. It could be a scammer trying to trick you into giving away your bank details and your hard-earned cash.

That’s the warning issued by Abu Dhabi police, who have noticed a spike in fraudulent calls and websites that impersonate government agencies and institutions in the UAE. As per the Khaleej Times, these scammers use clever tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps, such as promising rewards, discounts, or partnerships with reputable entities.

But once they get hold of your personal and financial information, they use it to make unauthorized online transactions and drain your accounts. And by the time you realize what’s happening, it might be too late to recover your money. Here are some tips from the authorities to help you be cautious of these scams:

Don’t click on any links or attachments that look suspicious or come from unknown sources. They could contain malware that can infect your device and compromise your security.
Don’t share any confidential information with anyone over the phone, email, or social media. Remember that genuine bank employees will never ask you for your account number, card details, password, or PIN.
Use reliable anti-virus software and update it regularly to prevent hackers from accessing your device and data.
Don’t be tempted by offers that sound too good to be true. If someone asks you to pay a fee or provide personal information in exchange for a prize or a service, it’s probably a scam.
Report any suspicious communication to the police as soon as possible. You can visit the nearest police station, call their security service hotline at 8002626, or send a text message to 2828. Your report could help the police catch the scammers and protect other potential victims.

By following these simple steps, you can avoid falling prey to these fake government officials and keep your money safe. Stay alert and stay smart!