During the Ramadana period, ResecUrmi recorded a significant increase in the number of fraudulent actions and scams that coincide with an increase in retail and online transactions.
Cybercriminals in the Middle East were especially active, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia experiencing consumer expenses of over $16 billion, making it a target for scammers. The estimated damage from these scams ranges between $70 and $100 million, affecting both local residents and foreign guests.
These cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated methods of deception to bypass standard security measures. ReseCURITY is particularly concerned about “Triad Sminking,” a method previously used in the USA, Great Britain, EU, and the UAE, now spreading to the Middle East.
Common types of fraud during this period include scams related to gifts and donations, employment fraud, the use of “money mules,” falsification of services, romantic scams, phishing, and more.
Fraudulent Schemes:
Fraudsters are actively using false notifications on behalf of well-known logistics companies like Aramex, SMSA Express, and Zajil Express, claiming that parcel deliveries are delayed due to unpaid fees. This indicates that attackers have access to victims’ personal data through leaks and are actively selling this information on the darknet.