Qatar is becoming a bigger target for cybercriminals and those determined to commit financial fraud, due to its growing prominence around the world. It is important that we all take the necessary precautions to protect our personal information.

Be Careful of Online Fraud!We have all at some time or another received an email or SMS that has requested that we provide information while seemingly from a legitimate source. You should always be cautious of people who ask for information such as your date of birth or Qatar ID. Likewise, you should be wary of sharing private information in emails, on social media, or on messaging services, even if this is being sent to people you know well.

It is strongly recommended that you do not share any personal or sensitive information such as passwords, PIN or credit card numbers to third parties that are not trustworthy or who you don’t know. You have the right to decline sharing any information if you are in doubt.

Criminals have become adept at making the scam look real, using text and graphics that are scarily similar to the bank or government agency they are purportedly from – although there are still many that are obviously scams! There are a number of instances where you can be subject to online fraud, including

  • Bank account queries, such as the need to update personal information in order to keep an account open.
  • Bank card fraud, such as a new PIN is required, or cheque fraud.
  • Banking and investment frauds, advising of banking and investment frauds!
  • Charities requesting donations.
  • Domain name scams.
  • Government agency or big name company scams.
  • Health scams, miracle cures, participation in studies.
  • Inheritance fraud.
  • Lottery wins and shopping freebies.
  • Online streaming services requesting action.
  • Payment for goods and services to a fake third party account.

Thankfully, there are several ways to protect yourself

Be Careful of Online Fraud!

When using computers, tablets and mobile phones:

  • Never access online banking sites from a link in an email – type the address into the address (URL) bar of your browser.
  • Only use computers that you trust. Don’t use public access computers for transactions involving personal or sensitive information as they may lack up to date antivirus software.
  • Ensure you have up to date operating systems, antivirus software, malware and firewall products, just in case you do visit a fake website.
  • Look for the padlock symbol/lock icon in your browser which confirms the site is safe and secure due to encryption.
  • Clear your browser after online activity and remember to log-off.
  • Protect your tablet and mobile phone, as these are more likely to be used in a public space. Set them up so that it locks automatically after a certain amount of time, and use security protocols to unlock them (PIN, fingerprint, face, etc).
  • Only download apps, games, books, ringtones, etc from trustworthy sites such as Google Play and the App Store.
  • If you lose your mobile phone, tell your phone provider immediately.

What you can do personally:

Be Careful of Online Fraud!

  • Banks will never request personal information or passwords by email or SMS. If you receive this type of fraudulent notification, contact your bank immediately.
  • To avoid your risk exposure, don’t use the same password for online banking, social media, email accounts or any other online portal that requires a password. If you forget your password, you can reset it by using the password reset link on the company’s login page.
  • Use difficult to crack PINs or passwords (how many of us have used our date of birth in the past?!). Use a password manager or digital vault service such as 1Password to store your information and create random passwords for you.
  • Take note of any strange activity when using an ATM. Go green and sign up for SMS notifications instead of taking a paper receipt instead of leaving it lying around the ATM. Never hand over your card or disclose your PIN to retail staff when using a point of sale (POS) machine, as cards can be stolen or duplicated, known as skimming.
  • Cancel and cut up unused cards.
  • If you lose your Qatar ID, bank cards, cheque books or other important documentation, report it immediately.

Author: Sarah Palmer

Copyright © Marhaba Information Guide. Reproduction of material from Marhaba Information Guide’s book or website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Using Marhaba Information Guide’s material without authorisation constitutes as plagiarism as well as copyright infringement.