It was a normal working day when I received a phone call from an unknown number saying: "Congratulations, you won 500,000AED from Du promotions".
Phone scammers pretend to be employees of telecom operators like Etisalat or Du and con people into transferring mobile credit to their account, which they would then resell at cheaper rates. Etisalat and Du has issued several warnings about the scam and urged customers to verify any information regarding its promotions or services by calling their hotline numbers. How the scam works The scammer would tell the receiver that they have won a cash prize, but in order to claim it, they need to do a few things. First, they would need to disconnect the phone call and call back the caller. The victim is then asked to note down a lucky number and a bank coupon number. The victim would then be asked to recharge an etisalat wasel prepaid SIM card or "Du voucher" with a sum of Dh500 in order for etisalat or Du to send a text message revealing the bank cheque details and pin number. If the victim demands proof, the scammer would instruct him or her to check the first few digits of the serial number, which would then match the “lucky number” that was given out at the beginning of the call.
Advisory from Du
Here are some things we never do:
We never ask for bank details, recharge card numbers or personal information as part of any promotion or phone conversation
We do not give out cash prizes unless publicised through a promotional campaign
Important tips for you: Never entertain calls from people you don't know informing you that you have won something, especially when you have not entered an official competition or draw If you do get a call from du and are unsure about the authenticity of the information, please call du Customer Care on 155 or 04 390 5555 or email fc@du.ae
How do you report it? In Sharjah, call 901 or 06 5943210. You can also report suspicious activities to 999, 06 5632222 or the toll-free number Najeed 800 151 or via SMS on 7999 or www.shjpolice.gov.ae/najeed In Dubai, call 901. In Abu Dhabi, you can report fraudulent calls on 02 5088888, 8002626. You can also send an SMS to 2828.