The Financial Intelligence Unit says figure-related scams and frauds on internet is alarming.
May 21, 2018
The sum of approximately SR18 million rupees has been recorded by the FIU in internet scams and frauds over the last two years. So far a total of ten (10) official cases have been reported during 2018 so far, compared to nine (9) for the whole of 2017. In an interview with the local media this morning, FIU’s Director, Philip Moustache said that this figure is alarming and that they are actually recording cases regularly. Mr. Moustache stated that the sum identified does not represent the whole amount, mainly due to the fact that not all cases are brought to their attention, and not everyone is comfortable to come forward to report any losses.
Mr. Moustache, pointed out that there are various ways scammers get access to people on the internet is mainly on Facebook by friend requests, romance especially to women, lottery notifications, extortions, offer on loans and online shopping, texts on your phone and or business transactions to name a few. In a recent case that occurred last week, a sum of SR53, 000 was lost to one victim here. One case is that of a woman who has been transferring money to a supposedly fiancé; she has so far transferred over SR 285,000 and even if the FIU has called her in and advised her, she did not heed their advice or warnings. According to Mr. Moustache, the case will be referred to the law enforcement agency. Mr. Moustache said that the business men community also is at risk, especially in their online transactions; this he said is also one of the major issues. Possibly one of the biggest loss is that of a businessman who lost 1.2 million rupees. “People have ordered cars, JCB, spares, etc, and have never received anything. There is no specific target group with victims ranging from businessman, graduates, married couples to ordinary people”, says Mr. Moustache.
The Director pointed out that most of these scams have been identified as originating from West Africa and that there is also a possibility that the money transferred could be used to finance terrorist activities. He said that they have liaised with their Nigerian counterparts to see how best they can collaborate to resolve the issue. “Internet users should pay particular attention as scammers are using new ways to get money out of them. It is also your responsibility to ensure that no one gets access to your personal details and also avoid identity theft”.
He said that there three main reasons why people are falling into these traps; either because they are naïve, they are desperate or they are greedy. Mr. Moustache says that money transferred in these scams and frauds cannot be called back or retrieved; they are lost forever. “The sad thing is that people are even selling their properties, cars or borrowing money to send to the scammers”, says Mr. Moustache.
Mr Moustache is calling on all to be vigilant and report any such cases.