Kuwait’s Online Fish Trade Scam Leaves Many, Including Keralites, in Financial Ruin
In a recent and alarming development, a sophisticated online fish trade scam in Kuwait has led to significant financial losses for numerous individuals, including many from Kerala, India. The fraudsters behind this scheme created a counterfeit Facebook page, masquerading as a reputable fish company, and lured customers with enticing offers of seafood at a 50% discount.
The Deceptive Scheme
Unsuspecting customers, attracted by the substantial discounts on various seafood items such as shrimp, Zubaidi fish, and fish barbecue, placed orders through the fraudulent Facebook page. Upon ordering, they were redirected to a payment page designed to closely resemble Kuwait’s official banking payment application. Here, customers were prompted to enter their bank details and a One-Time Password (OTP) to complete the transaction. However, instead of processing a legitimate purchase, the scammers used this information to gain unauthorized access to the customers’ bank accounts.
Impact on Victims
The consequences for the victims were swift and devastating. For instance, one Malayali customer, enticed by the offer, attempted to purchase 10 kilograms of large shrimp for 8 Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately ₹2,000). After entering his bank details and OTP, he discovered that multiple unauthorized transactions had been made, resulting in a loss of around 400 Dinars (approximately ₹1,00,000) within minutes. Similar stories have emerged from other victims, many of whom are also from Kerala, reporting that their bank accounts were entirely drained shortly after engaging with the fraudulent platform.
Ongoing Investigation
In response to the growing number of complaints, several victims have filed reports with the local police in Kuwait. Despite these efforts, the investigation remains ongoing, and the fraudulent Facebook page continues to operate. Victims have taken to the page’s comment section to voice their grievances and warn others, but as of now, the scam persists unchecked.
A Broader Context of Financial Frauds
This incident is part of a larger pattern of financial frauds affecting Keralites abroad. In a separate case, the Kerala Police have initiated an extensive investigation into a massive fraud involving approximately 1,425 Keralites, including 700 nurses, who allegedly duped the Gulf Bank of Kuwait of around 303 million Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately ₹7,000 crores). The fraudsters initially gained the bank’s trust by taking smaller loans and repaying them promptly, which enabled them to secure larger loans ranging from 35,000 to 45,000 Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately ₹90 lakhs to ₹1.1 crores) before absconding to countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia without repaying their debts.
Protective Measures and Recommendations
In light of these incidents, authorities are urging individuals to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online transactions, especially those involving unsolicited offers or deals that appear too good to be true. It is advisable to verify the authenticity of online sellers and platforms before sharing any personal or financial information. Additionally, individuals should regularly monitor their bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activities to their bank and law enforcement agencies promptly.
Conclusion
The online fish trade scam in Kuwait serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to safeguard their financial well-being. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can help protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
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