Beware of major online scams: ROP

MUSCAT, APRIL 15
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has cautioned the public about a fake website similar to the official one and video call scams involving impersonation of police officials.
'We have noticed that scammers are using video apps to pose as police officers or government officials to steal personal information and threaten individuals with fake legal action,' a top ROP official said.
'One should always check ROP official channels to verify any messages or callers claiming to be from the police and avoid clicking on links found in social media or websites in unsolicited emails or SMS messages,' he said.
Also, one should never share personal details like OTP or PIN over phone calls or chats.
“Screen share or app download requests are new ways for online scammers to gain access to your personal and financial information as fraudsters are on the lookout to defraud by convincing you to download a third-party application and get full control over your device,” bankers have warned.
They explained how it works. A fraudster poses as a company representative and asks you to download a remote access or screen-sharing application. Once you download and start using the app, the fraudster gains full control and access to your information.
“Always remember that the banker would never ask you to download any third-party remote access or screen sharing application, nor should you respond to any call, SMS, or email asking you to download any app in order to assist you online or to update documents,” warns a leading bank.