‘Beware of hackers impersonating major companies in fake promotions’

As cybercriminals ramp up their activities by creating fake social media pages impersonating major local companies, Mohammed Al-Rashidi, head of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Electronic Media Union, has warned the public that hackers frequently reappear with fraudulent campaigns, particularly around seasonal promotions, posing as reputable companies to lure unsuspecting victims.

Al-Rashidi says it is important to verify sources before engaging with any online promotions. “It’s essential to ensure you’re using official websites and mobile applications,” he stated. “Official apps are far more secure and difficult to impersonate, making them a safer choice.”

Al-Rashidi explained that falling victim to fraudulent pages has become increasingly common. “Once payment is made and card details are entered on these fake sites, the theft occurs instantly,” he said. He further advised the public to make use of online tools and websites designed to verify whether links are genuine or suspicious, reports Al-Rai daily.

In one recent incident, he said, a resident lost approximately 75 dinars after being tricked by a fake promotional offer on social media. While browsing Facebook, the victim came across an advertisement that appeared legitimate.

After clicking on the ad, he was redirected to WhatsApp, where the offer’s details were presented in a convincing manner. Believing the offer to be real, he followed the payment steps and entered his bank card information, along with a one-time password (OTP) received via text message.

Shortly afterward, he noticed two unauthorized transactions totaling KD 75 and received a call from his bank alerting him of the suspicious activity. As a precaution, the bank immediately suspended the account, and the matter was referred to the relevant authorities.

The incident serves as a reminder of the growing sophistication of online scams and the importance of vigilance. Authorities urge citizens and residents to avoid clicking on suspicious links, verify promotional offers through official company channels, and report any suspected cybercrime to the appropriate agencies.