Muscat: Mobile phones have become indispensable in our daily lives, but with technological advancements comes a darker side — electronic fraud, which has been increasingly targeting smartphone users.
Fraudsters employ various techniques, including deceptive messages and phone calls, impersonating representatives of companies or financial institutions. They manipulate victims into providing personal or financial details. Additionally, mobile apps that appear legitimate may be designed to steal sensitive information.
One common tactic involves sending fake links via text messages, prompting users to enter their bank details on fraudulent websites. In another scenario, fraudsters may claim to be employees from well-known companies, asking individuals to update their banking or security details. The methods used are evolving, making it harder for people to detect fraud until it’s too late.
Cybersecurity expert Abdullah al Balushi says, “Phone fraud exploits users' lack of awareness about cyber threats. Many people are quick to trust official-looking calls or messages, which puts them at risk.” He advises individuals to be cautious, recommending, “Never share personal or banking information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity. If in doubt, it’s better to contact the company or bank directly for verification.”
Nada al Jabri, a financial technology expert, notes that while technological advances enhance security, they also introduce new vulnerabilities for fraudsters to exploit.
She adds, “Raising community awareness and using advanced measures like two-factor authentication can significantly reduce cyber fraud risks. However, striking a balance between convenience and security is essential.”
Several victims have shared their experiences of phone fraud. Sarah Mohammed, a government employee, recalls being tricked into providing her banking information during a call from someone posing as a bank representative. “I realised hours later that my account had been drained. It was a harsh lesson — banks never ask for sensitive information over the phone,” she said.
Ahmed Khaled, a university student, was scammed via a text message link that appeared to be from a trusted social media platform. After entering his details, his account was hacked and used for illegal activities. “Technology is a double-edged sword, and awareness is our best defence,” he warns.
Phone-based fraud poses a significant threat, requiring cooperation between government agencies and financial institutions to raise awareness and improve security measures. Users need to stay informed of the latest scams and take necessary precautions to protect their data.
Al Balushi further emphasises the importance of verifying the identity of any caller and refraining from sharing sensitive information online or over the phone without proper confirmation.
Public awareness campaigns through media and social platforms play a crucial role in educating users. Additionally, regular updates to apps and security systems ensure the latest protections are in place.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is actively supporting Oman’s move towards a secure, knowledge-based digital economy.
The ministry consistently reviews cybersecurity threats and advocates for government and private institutions to adopt cutting-edge software to safeguard digital infrastructure and services. By doing so, they aim to build resilient systems that serve the community without risking breaches or security threats.
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