Beware of fake school transport ads, job offers, QR codes, and investments

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com

As the school year kicks off in Bahrain, a new scam is emerging, targeting parents desperate to secure safe transportation for their children.

Cybercriminals are posting fake advertisements for school transport services, collecting advance payments through platforms like BenefitPay or bank transfers, and then disappearing without a trace.

Parents are urged to meet service providers in person and insist on official proof of payment to avoid falling victim to these scams. Meanwhile, job seekers on LinkedIn are also in the crosshairs of scammers.

These attackers pose as legitimate companies, conducting interviews online and offering fake contracts.

Payroll duties

Victims are then manipulated into acting as HR administrators, transferring money from their accounts under the guise of payroll duties.

Unfortunately, this leaves them entangled in money laundering schemes, making it difficult to prove their innocence to authorities.

In another alarming trend, cybercriminals are creating fake QR codes in restaurants and cafes.

While the convenience of scanning a code for a menu might be tempting, experts warn that these codes can lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal information.

It’s advisable to request a physical menu or verify the QR code’s authenticity before scanning. Scams Social media platforms are also being used to lure victims into investment scams.

Hackers gain control of wellknown accounts and post fake success stories about investments in Forex or cryptocurrency platforms.

The scammers might even offer small payouts to build trust, only to vanish with larger sums later.

Cybersecurity expert Ali Beshara, with 20 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats.

“Cybersecurity threats are evolving and they are going with the trends of the market and the needs of the people. We always have to be vigilant and take things slowly; don’t rush into anything and don’t trust anyone behind a screen because it could be someone else,” Beshara told The Daily Tribune.

Warnings

The General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic & Electronic Security (ACEES) has also issued warnings about fake marriage opportunities and high-paying job scams that promise easy money for minimal effort.