A new digital scam to obtain your personal data by impersonating government and official websites.

In our rapidly evolving digital world, the tactics of fraudsters exploiting the public's trust in government institutions and official entities to commit fraud are on the rise. One of the latest forms of this fraud involves impersonating the website of a ministry or trusted official body to obtain sensitive personal information or steal money from victims.

How is this type of fraud carried out?

This fraud is carried out through a series of deceptive steps designed to exploit the victim’s trust and lure them into revealing their sensitive financial information. It typically begins when the fraudster creates a fake website resembling the official site of an entity, luring victims to visit the site through fake emails, suspicious links shared on social media, or even through search engines.

After the victim enters the fake site and submits a service request or complaint, the fraudster gathers basic information, such as the victim's name and contact number. The fraudster then contacts the victim by phone, claiming to be an official employee of the entity. Using a professional tone, the fraudster explains the details of the request the victim submitted via the fake site, giving it a credible appearance and making the victim more likely to cooperate.

Once trust is gained, the fraudster requests further personal information under the pretext of completing the procedure or resolving an issue, such as the victim’s birthdate, bank card number, account number, or even the bank card’s security code (CVV). The fraudster justifies these requests as necessary to verify the victim’s identity or payment details, making the victim believe this step is safe and essential.

Once the fraudster obtains this information, they use it to illegally access the victim’s accounts and withdraw money. The money may be withdrawn immediately, or the information may be exploited for fraudulent purchases or transfers, leading to significant financial losses.

How to protect yourself from this type of fraud:

- Verify the official website’s address: Only enter sensitive information on websites with the official domain of the entity, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

- Be cautious of phone calls: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an official employee requesting sensitive information, hang up and contact the entity through official numbers to verify the legitimacy of the call.

- Do not share personal information easily: Do not provide personal or financial details over the phone unless you are sure of the person’s identity and the reason for the request.

What to do if you are a victim of this type of fraud?

If you fall victim to this fraud, you can follow these steps to minimize damage and regain control of your data and financial accounts:

1. Change your passwords immediately:

- Change the passwords for your bank and online accounts that may contain sensitive information.

- If you use the same password for multiple accounts, change it immediately and make it strong and unique for each account.

2. Notify the bank:

- Contact your bank to report the fraud. They may be able to stop transfers or suspicious activities.

- Ask the bank to cancel the affected bank card.

3. Report to the relevant authorities:

- File a report with the authorities responsible for combating cybercrime in your country. In Saudi Arabia, you can use the "Kolna Amn" app or contact the Cybercrime Unit.

- Provide all possible details, such as call logs or messages from the fraudster, to help authorities track down the fraudsters.

4. Monitor financial accounts:

- Regularly monitor your bank accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. If you discover any suspicious activities, inform your bank immediately.

5. Cancel or reissue bank cards:

- If you have provided the fraudster with your card number or CVV, ask the bank to cancel the card and issue a new one.

6. Inform family and friends:

- Let your family and close friends know what happened to prevent them from falling into the same trap, as they may be targeted in the same way.

7. Check security settings on your devices:

- Update your antivirus software on your devices.

- Check security settings and ensure there are no unknown apps or spyware.

8. Be cautious of any suspicious messages or contacts:

- Be cautious in the future of messages or calls requesting personal or financial information. Only share your information on official websites and verify the source of any contact.

In conclusion:

Remember that #YourAwarenessProtectYourSafety, and quick action in cases of fraud helps reduce potential damage and protects your money and personal data.