Prize Scams

Prize Scams are frauds designed to acquire your personal and banking information through Telephone or Social Media Apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The scam involves use of phone calls, SMS, pictures or e-mails to trick individuals into sharing their confidential banking information.

Fraudsters constantly come-up with new ways to prey on potential victims.

More people are falling victim to such "Prize Scams" these days in UAE.

Here's how it works:

• Fraudsters contact victims through telephone calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages informing them that they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
• The callers claim to be authorized representatives from ADIB or other well-known organizations such as (Etisalat, DU, Lulu, DSF, Expo2020, etc.).
• Once the victim shares his/her details like (the ones mentioned on page), the fraudster either transfers the money through victim’s account or performs a transaction using the details.

How you can protect yourself?

• Never share confidential information like Account or Card Details, Internet / Mobile Banking Passwords, ATM PINs, CVVs (3 digit security code behind your card) or OTPs with anyone over the phone, WhatsApp or other social media channels.
• Do not share copies of your Emirates ID, Passport, ID Cards, etc. with others on WhatsApp or other social media apps.
• Avoid entertaining calls from unknown sources claiming "You are a Winner". In most of the instances, the fraudsters are not familiar with your personal details and do not address you with your names during the call.
• Verify the authenticity of such calls by calling ADIB or your bank directly. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
• Always ensure that your contact details are updated with the bank.
• If you are suspicious about such calls, messages or emails, please report it to the local police and contact ADIB immediately on our 24/7 Call Center at Fraud Hotline: +971 26100116