MUSCAT – In its advisory, the TRA stressed the importance of using secure and well-known online platforms that offer buyer protection, and warned against transferring money in advance unless through trusted channels.

“Before pressing the pay button, pause and ask: Is this price too good to be true? Is the seller trustworthy?” the TRA said, reminding users that scam tactics are becoming more sophisticated, but the goal remains the same — to deceive and defraud individuals.

The Authority highlighted common scam scenarios, such as heavily discounted smartphones or vehicles offered at suspiciously low prices. Victims are often asked to pay a small deposit to ‘reserve’ the item, only for the seller to disappear after receiving the funds.

“Do not pay any amount in advance except through well-known and safe platforms that guarantee your rights, and always remember that if the offer is too good to be true, it is most likely not true,” the advisory stressed.