Public warned over SMS scam by fraudsters

The public are being warned over SMS messages being sent to them by fraudsters imitating the authorities. Text messages are being sent to citizens and residents by fraudsters who are claiming to be Bahraini security authorities. The fraudsters are sending messages to the public about bank transactions claiming to be from the Crime Investigation Department.

The Ministry of Interior has warned the public to be on alert and not be scammed by such fraudsters. The Director-General of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security warned on Thursday of text messages sent by fraudsters, claiming to be official security authorities, requesting to call them back to process their bank applications.

He called to not deal with such scam messages or provide their senders with any bank and personal details, along with clarifying the matter from reliable officials sources. This comes after the Central Bank of Bahrain made similar warning about fraudsters claiming to be bank officials. Citizens and residents in Bahrain are being targeted with SMS and phone calls from a fraudulent financial institution in attempt to bamboozle them, the Central Bank warned.

An unlicensed financial institution that markets investment in securities in the Kingdom has targeted people through short-messaging services (SMS), telephone calls and websites, the Central Bank of Bahrain announced. The CBB stressed the need for consumers to ensure the utmost care and caution, and take into consideration the risks, when investing, dealing or trading any amounts in securities or foreign exchange with any person, persons, institutions, companies or websites, including social media, and ensuring that they hold the necessary licences from the Central Bank of Bahrain to engage in such activities.