In 2024 worldwide scammers cheated victims out of a staggering $1.03 trillion. While scammers previously targeted mostly Western countries, they are now focusing on Muslim countries like Oman, especially during Ramadhan, because of the unique opportunities the holy month presents for fraudulent activities.
Scammers know that Ramadhan is a time of goodwill and generosity, which makes people more vulnerable. There are many reasons why scammers become increasingly active during this period.
The Holy Month is a time when Muslims are encouraged to donate Zakat (charity) and give generously. While such religious precepts are important, if we are giving to good causes, we need to ensure that our donations reach those in need rather than ending up in the pockets of crooks.
Staying alert and verifying information can help prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Scammers exploit generosity by creating fake charity appeals or impersonating well-known charities, tricking people into donating to fraudulent causes.
During Ramadhan as Muslims, we are more spiritually engaged and may be more trusting, believing we are doing good deeds. Scammers often use emotional manipulation, such as pretending to be orphans, refugees or people in crisis to gain sympathy and extract money.
During Ramadhan sales and Eid preparations, online shopping activity increases. Fraudsters take advantage of this by setting up fake online stores, selling counterfeit products or engaging in phishing scams — attempts to obtain personal data such as bank passwords and credit card details.
Many companies offer special Ramadhan promotions and financial deals, making people more receptive to investment opportunities. Scammers pose as banks, investment firms or cryptocurrency platforms, promising high returns and then disappearing with victims’ money.
It’s not just Omanis who are at risk. Oman has a large expatriate population that often sends money back home during Ramadhan. Fraudsters impersonate money transfer services, tricking people into paying fake transaction fees.
Pilgrimage scammers are also particularly active during Ramadhan. Fraudsters advertise cheap Umrah packages for those wanting to visit Mecca. Victims pay upfront, only to later find out the trips don’t exist, losing their money.
Whether during Ramadhan or throughout the year, you can protect yourself from scammers by following these precautions: verify charities before donating by checking their official websites, be cautious with online shopping and use only trusted platforms, check the legitimacy of travel agencies before booking Umrah packages, verify financial deals and investment opportunities through official sources - if an investment opportunity looks too good to be true, it probably is, and avoid clicking on suspicious links in messages or emails.
Some of the more common scams include calls pretending to be from your bank, claiming suspicious activity has been detected on your account.
They ask you to confirm your account or credit card details. Don’t! Banks never call to request this information. They impersonate local authorities or government officials, pressuring victims into giving personal information or making payments.
You may receive a message saying a parcel cannot be delivered due to an outstanding fee. The scammer asks for just one or two Omani Rials, but once you make this small payment they steal thousands from your account.
Like most people, I have been targeted by scammers or received cold calls or messages from unwanted advertisers.
One question I often ask is: how do they get my contact details? Recently, I received three texts offering big discounts on Skechers shoes. Since Skechers supports Israel, I refuse to buy from them.
After receiving the first two messages, I finally called the store and asked them not to send any more special offers. But how did Skechers obtain my phone number? The answer lies with data brokers.
These companies collect your contact details whenever you buy anything online. They then sell this 'private' information to third parties, including scammers.
Scammers are always adapting their methods, preying on people’s trust, generosity and financial transactions. Staying vigilant, verifying sources and questioning anything suspicious can help protect you from becoming their next victim.
The writer is a former Cambridge School Principal and an Interview Skills Advisor
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