Dubai: The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation in Dubai Police has warned against online fraud tactics that exploit community members' need to renew or issue vehicle insurance documents. The Centre explained that fraudsters use advertisements, links, and electronic accounts impersonating insurance companies or approved entities and brokers, aiming to seize money or obtain personal and banking data.

The Centre highlighted that fraudsters may lure victims through insurance offers with noticeably low prices, or through messages urging immediate renewal of insurance policies. These fraudsters then ask the customer to click on a link and enter vehicle data, personal and banking card information, or share verification codes. The Centre urged the public to verify the beneficiary of any financial transfer before completing any transaction.

Dubai Police outlined ten tips to help prevent falling victim to vehicle insurance fraud. The first is to verify the insurance company's name before making any financial transfer, and confirm that it is a licensed and approved insurance company. The second is to ensure that the beneficiary bank account belongs to the insurance company, not to a personal account or an entity unrelated to the company. Meanwhile, the third tip focuses on not relying on advertisements or messages received through social media without verifying the advertiser and their official details.

Furthermore, the Force indicated that the fourth tip is to review the insurance policy details and confirm that the insurance company name, broker, and information match official entities. As for the fifth tip, they also advise against clicking on links sent from unknown sources under the pretext of obtaining an insurance offer or renewing a vehicle policy. The sixth tip urges caution with offers priced unreasonably lower than usual, as they may be a means of luring the victim.

In addition, the seventh tip is not to send banking card data, passwords, or verification codes to anyone claiming to represent an insurance company. Moving to the eighth, the Force advised contacting the insurance company through its official channels to verify the offer or payment request before transferring any amounts. As for the ninth, it stressed keeping transfer receipts, correspondence, and offers in case you need to refer to them or report a fraudulent operation. Finally, the tenth tip warns that if you suspect fraud, you should not make any further financial transfers and should immediately contact your bank and the relevant authorities.