Saudi Commerce Ministry warns against fraudulent sites that obtain banking info

The ministry said it has monitored a number of cases where consumers have fallen victim to fraud. (Shutterstock)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce warned against falling prey to fraudulent websites and people impersonating the ministry and defrauding consumers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The ministry said it has monitored a number of cases where consumers have fallen victim to fraud after sharing their private information on fake sites and pages that claimed to have links with the ministry.
They also ask to provide personal information, share information on social media, or respond to communications from outside the Kingdom. 
They use fraudulent methods to obtain confidential information, including bank accounts, passwords and verification codes.
The ministry said it is coordinating with local authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of these crimes, and warned against providing any party with confidential data.
The ministry stressed that it never requests individuals’ account numbers, bank card details, passwords or verification codes, and that it only receives communications through its approved channels, which are its phone number (1900) and the Balagh Tijari app.