Authorities in the UAE have warned residents to beware of fake messages claiming to be from major courier companies.
Cybercriminals are sending phishing SMS in an attempt to entice users to click on a link leading them to a site where they are asked to submit personal information, said the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
These phishing attempts often appear to be from major postal and courier companies. The messages ask recipients to click on a link to pay delivery fees or track a delivery. In cases where users are asked to submit their personal data, scammers use this to try and steal the consumer’s money or identity.
The TDRA issued its warning after blocking messages sent to several UAE residents.
“TDRA took the necessary action by stopping the source of the message and blocking the links,” the authority said in a social media post.
Urging users to verify before they click, the authority said, “TDRA strongly advises the public to check through the official websites or apps of these entities in order to prevent electronic fraud. Please alert police about the fake messages.”
