Dubai: Scam artists are now targeting residents throughout the country and have gone as far as using the name of a Dubai-based financial regulator to make their operation look credible.
The fraudsters are distributing some fake documents about a raffle called the “Emirates Lottery Foundation” that is purportedly authorised by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
The documents are being sent out to “lottery winners” notifying them that they have won $1 million (Dh3.6 million). In return, “winners” are required to make an advance payment to gain access to the prize money.
To add legitimacy to the scam, fraudsters have attached to the documents the purported signature of a former DFSA employee.
The DFSA has just issued an alert asking the public to be wary of the lottery scam. The DFSA, which has obtained a copy of the false documents bearing the DFSA logo, clarified that the “Emirates Lottery Foundation Promo” does not exist in Dubai or the UAE.
A sample of the fake document showing the DFSA logo.
The DFSA pointed out that it does not get involved in any lottery and does not approve or authorize any transfer of lottery funds.
It does not collect any payment fees in relation to the transfer of funds and does not issue “funds clearance certificates.”
“The name and purported signature of a former employee of the DFSA has been used without authority to add legitimacy to the scam,” the DFSA said in an alert notice posted on its website.
“The DFSA strongly advises that you do not respond to any communication regarding the [scam] and under no circumstances should you send any money to the perpetrators.”
