Muscat – Cyber fraud cases in Oman increased by 35% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported. Brigadier Jamal Habib al Quraishi, Director General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations, attributed the rise to expanding digital platform usage and users’ limited cybersecurity awareness, creating new opportunities for fraudsters.
Brig Quraishi emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between law enforcement and the public to enhance digital literacy and preventive efforts. Common scams include fake websites mimicking legitimate ones, tricking victims into sharing banking details or paying false fees. Once a One-Time Password (OTP) is submitted, funds are withdrawn via fake accounts or cryptocurrency exchanges, complicating recovery.
He warned about job scams from abroad, where victims are duped into opening bank accounts or transferring money, unknowingly facilitating money laundering and facing legal risks. Phone scams remain widespread, with impersonators posing as officials to solicit personal data or verification codes. Brig Quraishi stressed that official bodies never request such information via phone.
Phishing attacks via SMS and WhatsApp, fake delivery notifications, and fraudulent links also proliferate. Scams intensify during holidays and online sales, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, where fake profiles advertise nonexistent products or malicious links.
Cryptocurrency scams promising high returns continue to rise, prompting caution among the public. Additionally, online gaming environments pose risks to children, with scammers exploiting them for personal data or images used in extortion. Parents are advised to monitor children’s online activities closely.
ROP collaborates with regional and international agencies to combat cybercrime. Recently, authorities dismantled a cross-border ring involving individuals trafficked from Asia to Oman and trained to conduct scams including romance fraud and fake crypto schemes.
The public is urged to report fraud attempts promptly, avoid suspicious links, never share sensitive data without verification, use prepaid cards for online purchases, enable two-factor authentication, and create strong, unique passwords.
Victims should file reports at local police stations or contact the ROP hotline at 80077444, preserving all scam-related communications as evidence.
