Today's Edition
By Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti*
Cyber fraud takes many forms, varying with the tools and technologies used. Scammers exploit fake websites to deceive users and take advantage of popular platforms to spread suspicious advertisements and harvest personal data, often using artificial intelligence (AI).
With the rapid development and widespread use of smart applications, creating fraudulent websites has become easier and faster than ever, facilitating the spread of malicious software and deceptive links that promise lucrative financial opportunities or attractive promotional offers.
As cyberattacks accelerate and reliance on AI applications grows, users are increasingly exposed to sophisticated scams involving malware, phishing, ransomware, and digital espionage. These malicious activities lead to significant financial losses for both individuals and companies and have caused noticeable disruptions in financial transactions worldwide.
Online fraud through fake websites appears in many forms, most notably through misleading links and harmful advertisements. Scammers continuously refine their techniques; a user might receive an email from a fake identity containing a link to a counterfeit website that mimics the design and name of a trusted platform, creating an illusion of authenticity. Some professional fraudsters even create identical replicas of official pages that ask users to enter their passwords or personal information, allowing criminals to gain control over accounts and devices and steal sensitive data.
These practices do not target individuals alone; companies and institutions are also prime victims as digital fraud tactics evolve. Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of people fall victim to such scams every year after sharing their banking or sensitive information through networks of fake online stores.
Experts estimate that tens of thousands of fraudulent websites are launched annually as part of sophisticated, organised cybercrime operations. These fake online stores often promote products from well-known brands at suspiciously low prices to lure shoppers into giving away their money and personal information.
In most cases, these fraudulent websites have no actual connection to the legitimate brands they claim to represent, and often sell no real products at all. Millions of users each year share their credit card details, including security codes, along with their names, phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses, all of which end up in the hands of organised criminal networks that later use this data for phishing and advanced cyberattacks.
These attacks intensify during peak shopping seasons and promotional events such as holidays, the New Year, and sales festivals like Black Friday and White Friday. During these times, users are bombarded with offers and find it difficult to distinguish between real and fake websites, making them more vulnerable to scams. Fraudsters also exploit human emotions by posting fake donation or aid campaigns, or by promoting unrealistic discounts that entice users to click and engage.
Often, these deceptive links lead to fake login pages identical to legitimate ones, tricking users into entering their credentials, which are then sent directly to scammers. To prevent this, users should follow basic security measures such as regularly changing passwords, avoiding the reuse of the same password across multiple sites, securing their bank cards, and steering clear of flashy, unverified ads promoting unrealistic offers. In many cases, merely visiting a fake payment page can expose one’s financial and personal data to theft.
It is therefore crucial to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any website before using it. Users should confirm the legitimacy of offers and make purchases only through official, reputable platforms, avoiding random links and suspicious advertisements. Companies, too, must ensure proper administrative and cybersecurity checks in their transactions to avoid substantial financial losses.
Ultimately, consumer awareness serves as the first line of defence. Digital literacy campaigns play a vital role in reducing the risk of falling victim to misleading ads and online fraud schemes spread across websites and social media.
In conclusion, awareness of digital risks, combined with vigilance and caution, is essential to protect consumers and their finances from illicit activities. Users must verify the credibility of advertisements, products, and services before engaging with them, refrain from sharing personal or financial information through untrusted channels, and carefully review the terms and conditions before completing any purchase or payment.
* The writer is Head of Cybersecurity Council for UAE Government
