*** ----> People in Bahrain urged to stay vigilant against scams | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

People in Bahrain urged to stay vigilant against scams

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

People in Bahrain should remain vigilant against Internet fraud which became rife recently, the Public Prosecution has warned.

The Chief Prosecutor has stated that according to reports received by the General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, many people were defrauded of their money by receiving telephone calls and fake text messages from unknown persons who were able to obtain their personal and bank data and, thereafter, take possession of their cash accounts and transfer them abroad.

Some of the suspects were arrested following a thorough investigation by the Public Prosecution which showed that organised criminal groups specialised in scams to obtain the victims personal and bank data and, then, con them out of their bank accounts and transfer their money abroad.

The suspects were referred to the court for trial on electronic fraud charges and using electronic signatures which are punishable by the law with a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and BD100,000 fine.