Dubai: A Dubai-based authority has warned the public to be on the lookout for an anti-terrorism clearance scam that is believed to trick people into paying for something that doesn’t exist.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) said on Tuesday that some fraudsters have fabricated a non-existent document, called “anti-terrorism clearance,” that bears the name of the DFSA and the “Government of UAE.”
The paper purportedly clears an individual or any parcel from involvement in any terrorist activities.
“The false certificate appears to have been produced for a fraudulent and malicious purpose,” the DFSA said in a statement. The document also bears a fake signature of the DFSA deputy director.
Businesses and residents in the UAE have been advised not to respond to any communication regarding the scam, and under no circumstances should they send or give any money to any party in connection with it.
“The DFSA does not issue any certificates for the purpose of clearing an individual or any products from involvement in any terrorist activities,” the DFSA said.
Several reports have emerged of fraudsters trying to dupe people from other countries into paying huge amounts as anti-terrorism clearance fees.
According to various reports, the fraudsters would approach the potential victims online, either through a social networking site or email.
They would make up stories like there’s a huge fund waiting to be transferred or a parcel to be shipped, and in order to get hold of the item, some payments, including anti-terrorism clearance fees, need to be settled urgently first. Once the funds are transferred, the scammers are never to be heard of again.
