Plea for heightened vigilance as electronic fraud is uncoveredPlea for heightened vigilance as electronic fraud is uncovered

Observer

23-07-2025

The recent arrest of a female tourist in Muscat, found carrying out a complex electronic fraud operation using advanced transmission and communication devices, has sparked strong reaction on social media platforms.
According to authorities, the tourist used these devices, which functioned as miniature transmission stations and placed them in a rented car to steal money from citizens and expatriates by coordinating with international gangs outside Oman. These devices would temporarily disrupt local telecommunications networks and send fake text messages bearing fictitious names of local banks and telecommunications companies containing links that appeared to be trustworthy and official, from which they would steal the victim's banking information and money.
The Royal Oman Police, through its tireless efforts to raise public awareness of these attempts, posted a video clip on its website, the X platform and in local media outlets. The footage shows the woman's movements from the moment she entered the country via Muscat International Airport. The footage also included comments from responsible members of the police force who revealed the details of the case and the complex fraudulent operations carried out by the tourist.
Footage of the operation revealed that the tourist used advanced equipment to carry out the operation in a manner that demonstrates the precision and high level of professionalism in such operations. The tourist roamed public and side streets, broadcasting fraudulent messages in an attempt to catch her victims. The police statement indicated that she was arrested while she was carrying out electronic fraud operations in cooperation with an organisation specialising in transnational fraud crimes, using complex technical means to broadcast fake messages to surrounding phone numbers.
This operation reveals that it is one of the most novel electronic fraud cases the country has witnessed recently.
With the aid of these devices, the culprit transformed the rented vehicle into a mobile electronic broadcasting station that disrupted local networks. This enabled her to create a temporary fake network that broadcast deceptive messages to nearby phones, bearing the names of Omani banks and telecommunications companies, along with fake links aimed at stealing users' banking data through the continuous transmission of fraudulent messages.
The Royal Oman Police has requested citizens and residents to be cautious and vigilant in the face of such cybercrimes. The general public represent the first line of defence against such criminal activities. We should also become aware of apps which, combined with the abuse of AI applications, can contribute to the growth of financial fraud. Not all technological processes have positive benefits and advantages in their use.
Some even harm individuals in their daily lives, as hackers use them to commit fraud and financial extortion, harming numerous individuals and financial institutions. This is something to be wary of in all cases, especially as cyber fraud cases are increasing in the region year after year.