Caution Urged Over Fraudulent Online Store Accounts

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Manama: The Cybercrime Directorate has warned of a rise in fraudulent online store accounts on Instagram that impersonate well-known retailers in order to deceive users and steal their money.

The authority said these fake accounts copy the visual identity of legitimate stores, including names, logos, images and posts, making them appear official. They often offer attractive promotions to gain users’ trust before attempting to carry out fraud.

Victims are typically asked to transfer money directly or to continue communication outside the platform through applications such as WhatsApp, a tactic commonly used to avoid detection.

The Directorate stressed that such practices are among the most widespread forms of online fraud in recent times. It urged users to verify official accounts through authorised websites or recognised store branches, rather than relying solely on account names or logos.

Users were also advised to exercise caution before making purchases by reviewing an account’s history, checking for genuine engagement and ratings, and reporting any suspicious activity. The Directorate emphasised that digital awareness remains the first line of defence against cyber fraud.