Online liars! Fake celebs scamming UAE residents on social media

Published February 21st, 2016 - 08:50 GMT
Your new "friend" might have bad intentions. (Shutterstock)
Your new "friend" might have bad intentions. (Shutterstock)

The Sharjah Police have warned the public against responding to any messages purportedly sent by high-profile UAE personalities in the UAE asking for money.

Police official told Khaleej Times that it has been found that con men initiate fake social media accounts in the name of celebrities and send messages to people asking for help.

Police received several complaints about scammers telling their victims that they are outside the country and ran out of money as access is denied to their personal bank accounts. Then they ask for money and promise to return it when they come back.

Sharjah Police urged public not to trust strangers on social media accounts and don't send any money to unknown people who call from overseas asking for help.

The police also called on the public to avoid responding to e-mails from strangers who tell their 'miserable stories' or asking about bank account numbers to send money.

Many of the scam gangs exploit the friendship request and try to convince them that they are in desperate situation and in need of cash to treat family members from cancer or any stories. Some of them ask for sending them charity money.

Sharjah Police urged public to call at 800151 or 7999 to report any kinds of scams.

By Afkar Abdullah

 

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