MUSCAT : According to the ROP, fraudsters are adopting sophisticated techniques, from forging ownership documents to impersonating landlords, luring victims into bogus deals that can strip them of their savings. The scams typically appear in two forms: advertisements for apartments, villas, or houses for rent or sale, and offers of rest houses or chalets at suspiciously low prices.

Criminals often use fake ID cards, illegal contracts and stamps, and request advance payments under the guise of deposits. They rely heavily on social engineering, using persuasion to convince unsuspecting victims to sign deals or transfer money.

Authorities have outlined clear recommendations to avoid falling prey to such schemes. Prospective tenants and buyers are advised to steer clear of unverified social media accounts, visit properties in person whenever possible, and thoroughly check the validity of all documents before signing. The ROP also cautioned against being tempted by unusually low prices and stressed that no advance payment should be made without proper verification.

“Stay alert, verify everything and protect what is yours, because once trust is broken, the damage goes far beyond money,” the ROP reminded. Victims or suspicious cases should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or through the dedicated hotline 800-77-444.

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