Impersonation scam targeting Indian nationals in Oman, warns embassy
What's the story
The Indian embassy in Oman has issued a warning to its citizens, following a surge in fraudulent activities. Scammers are reportedly impersonating embassy officials and making deceptive phone calls to Indians residing in the Arab nation. These fraudsters promise assistance with passport and immigration issues, in exchange for money. The embassy has strongly advised all Indian nationals to be vigilant about such suspicious calls.
Advisory details
Advisory issued against spoofed numbers
The embassy issued an advisory this week, stating: "Attention Indian nationals in Oman: Beware of calls from spoofed numbers claiming to be from the Embassy." The notice also clarified that the number +180071234, which has been used by scammers, is actually a 24/7 toll-free helpline for the Community Welfare Wing of the Embassy. It emphasized that this number is not used for outgoing calls and any such calls are fraudulent.
Verification process
Citizens urged to verify information
The embassy has urged its citizens to cross-check any information received through suspicious calls directly with them, using their official helpline. This step is recommended as a precautionary measure against potential scams. The Oman government is also actively combating these online and telephone scams. Victims of such fraudulent activities can report incidents to the Oman Police emergency helpline at 9999 or Royal Oman Police's Cyber Extortion hotline (80077444) or via email (info@rop.gov.om).
Twitter Post
Take a look at the advisory
📢 Important Notice!
— India in Oman
Attention Indian nationals in Oman: Beware of calls from spoofed numbers claiming to be from the Embassy! Please see 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/n0yGCQWXxP(Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) September 24, 2024
Past scams
Previous incidents of scams involving Indian embassy
This is not the first instance where fraudsters have posed as officials from the Indian embassy. In June, similar fraudulent calls were made to Indian expatriates, requesting personal information and offering help on various issues for payments. The embassy had then issued a notice asking Indians not to entertain calls that "falsely claim association with the embassy and ask for payments related to alleged documentation problems."