Muscat - Over-confidence is leaving consumers in Oman open to becoming victims of fraud, according to Visa’s latest Stay Secure study released today.
Despite more than half of respondents (56%, similar to the global average) claiming to be savvy enough to sidestep online and phone scams, the reality is that nine out of ten (95%; similar to global) are likely to disregard the warning signs that suggest online criminal activity.
Conducted by Wakefield Research in countries across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), Visa’s 2023 Stay Secure Study finds that almost half of respondents (46%) in Oman have been a victim of a scam at least once compared to the global average of 52%.
Even more alarming is the finding that 8% of the victims have been tricked multiple times, against the global average of 15%.
“In today’s digital-first world, scams are evolving in sophistication with criminals using new approaches to trick unsuspecting consumers. Whether it’s a parcel held up at customs, a streaming subscription claiming to have expired, or a free voucher for a favorite brand, scammers are adopting extremely persuasive tactics to deceive their victims. With the rapid growth in digital payments, it is essential now more than ever that consumers in Oman understand the language of fraud and act with a high level of caution,” explains Neil Fernandes, Visa's Head of Risk for Middle East and North Africa.
Key Findings of the Visa Stay Secure Study:
Knowledgeable or naïve. Considering themselves knowledgeable might make people even more vulnerable, as false confidence can drive someone to click on a fake link or respond to a scam offer. Those who consider themselves more knowledgeable are more likely to respond to a requested action from scammers compared to those who say they are less knowledgeable, including positive news (80% to 77% for Oman vs global 74% to 67%) or urgent action (73% to 68% for Oman vs global 65% to 55%).
People worry about the vulnerability of others. While respondents feel confident in their vigilance, over half (55% vs. 52% globally) are concerned that their friends or families will fall for a scam email offering a gift card or product from an online shopping site. Over a third (48%; against 36% global) of respondents are concerned about children or minors, as well as retired people (27% vs. 36% global) falling prey to online scams.
What makes people suspicious? In addition to notices involving orders, product offers, or feedback, people are most suspicious of password requests. Less suspicious types of communications are updates regarding delivery or shipping (just 47% listed as a top three source of suspicion; 42% globally), marketing communications regarding a sale or new product offering (41%; similar globally), or an invitation to provide feedback on a recent experience (46% vs global 37%) - all of which can be used by scammers.
Overlooking telltale signs. Only 48% (vs global 57%) reported looking to ensure a communication is sent from a valid email address, while 45% (vs global 52%) will check if the company name or logo was attached to the message. Fewer than half of correspondents look for an order number (50%; global 45%) or an account number (50%; global 43%).
Interestingly, only 31% vs 33% globally look to ensure words are spelled correctly.
Decoding The Language of Fraud
Scammers try different approaches to craft messages that appear genuine and compel recipients to take immediate action.
The Visa Stay Secure Study identified prevalent patterns in the language most associated with scams – and how vulnerable are respondents in the surveyed countries.
Orchestrating Urgency: Cybercriminals often feign urgency to spur people into action, such as clicking a link or responding to a sender. Up to 47% of respondents (compared to 40% globally) will fall for messages about a security risk, such as a stolen password or a data breach, while a notice from a government entity or law enforcement can trick 32% (vs 36% global).
Sharing Positive News: 79% (vs 71% global) of respondents would take action if a message had a positive hook, like “free gift,” “you’ve been selected,” or “you’re a winner.” Gen Zers are more likely to act on a giveaway (31% vs 39% global) than a notice from the government (29% vs 31% global), while 37% (vs 44% global) of respondents would click on a link or reply to a message that offered a financial opportunity.
Action Required: 68% (vs 60% globally) would respond to action-required phrases though respondents are most suspicious of requests to reset their password.
Spot The Signs: Education and Awareness to Catch Scams in Action
Consumers can better protect themselves by taking a few extra moments before clicking, including understanding the language scammers use. Among simple but effective best practices:
Keep personal account information to yourself.
Don’t click on links before verifying that they’ll take you where they say they will.
Regularly check purchase alerts, which provide near real-time notification by text message or email of purchases made with your account.
Call the number on corporate websites or the back of your credit and debit cards if you are unsure if a communication is valid.
Consumers can visit Visa’s Stay Secure Page to learn about the language of fraud and how to avoid being a victim of widespread scams.
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