Online updating scam: Teacher defrauded in sophisticated scheme

TDT | Manama

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In a chilling reminder that even educators are not immune to online scams, a suspect is now behind bars thanks to the swift actions of vigilant police officers The High Criminal Court is set to hear the case on the 19th of this month, where the defendant faces a potential three-year prison sentence, a BD1,000 fine, and deportation.

According to case files, an expatriate teacher in her 40s fell victim to a cunning scam that cost her BD1,188 in mere seconds.

The ordeal began when she received a call from someone posing as an official, who requested she update her personal data.

Trusting the alleged authority, the teacher unwittingly provided her information, only to receive notifications of two unauthorized withdrawals: BD1,100 and BD88. After reporting the incident, police quickly tracked down the suspect, revealing that he was not acting alone.

Investigations uncovered an accomplice who assisted in accessing the victim’s bank account.

The Public Prosecution has charged the defendant with collaborating with an unknown accomplice to misuse the victim's electronic signature, specifically the bank card verification code, through fraudulent means.

A police officer testified that the suspect is part of a larger network specializing in electronic fraud, operating with accomplices outside Bahrain and utilizing multiple bank accounts for their illicit activities.

As the court prepares for the upcoming hearing, this case highlights the ongoing threat of online scams and the need for continued vigilance in protecting personal information.