MUSCAT : According to Brigadier Jamal bin Habib Al-Quraishi, Director General of Criminal Investigation and Investigation at the ROP, the surge is linked to the rapid development of technology, electronic payment systems, and the widespread reliance on digital platforms. While these innovations have made daily life easier, they have also created fertile ground for fraudsters who now exploit advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to deceive victims.

The ROP revealed that fraudsters are increasingly turning to fake online advertisements on e-commerce sites, offering products or services at unrealistically low prices to lure victims into paying deposits or full amounts before vanishing. Another alarming tactic involves the use of deepfake videos and images to impersonate government employees and trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal or banking data.

The General Directorate has also uncovered recurring scams, including fraudulent ads for domestic worker recruitment services, fake property rental offers, and counterfeit websites mimicking official portals. These cloned sites often appear at the top of search results, convincing victims to enter banking information and one-time passwords (OTPs), which criminals then use to empty accounts. Funds are swiftly laundered through multiple bank accounts and digital currency exchanges before being transferred abroad.

Brigadier Al-Quraishi further highlighted schemes where fraudsters recruit unsuspecting individuals online under the guise of “financial advisor” or “financial agent” roles. These individuals are persuaded to open bank accounts that are later used to channel and disguise illicit funds. Many only realize their involvement when they face legal consequences for unknowingly aiding money laundering operations.

The ROP affirmed its commitment to combating cyber fraud by shutting down fake websites, coordinating with banks and telecom operators to freeze suspect accounts and numbers, and running awareness campaigns through schools, universities, and national events.

Brigadier Al-Quraishi urged the public to remain vigilant: avoid suspicious ads, use two-factor authentication, and rely on secondary bank cards for online purchases. He stressed that legitimate institutions never request personal or banking data over the phone or internet.

Victims of fraud are advised to immediately report incidents to their bank, file a report at the nearest police station, or call the ROP’s toll-free number (80077444), while keeping all evidence of the scam.

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