In a major win for cyber safety, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has taken down a criminal network that had been sending out fraudulent SMS messages to unsuspecting residents. The Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department, a key division of the MOI, recently announced that 12 individuals were arrested for their role in orchestrating the scam.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lovin Doha | لوڤن الدوحة (@lovindoha)

Recommended

Weekend Watchlist: Don’t Miss These 5 Epic Events In Qatar This WeekendQatar Ranks 2nd In Global Mobile Internet SpeedRare Planetary ‘Smiley Face’ to Light Up the Qatari Sky This Friday!

What were they doing?

These scammers were reportedly targeting communication towers in various locations across Qatar to distribute fake SMS messages. The messages looked like they came from official government agencies or banks, and often included links designed to steal credit card details, personal data, and login credentials.

Think you’ve received one of those sketchy texts urging you to “update your account” or “confirm your identity” through a link? Yep, it was probably them.

Here’s how the scam worked:

1. You get a text message that looks like it’s from your bank or a government service.

2. It includes a link that leads to a page impersonating an official website.

3. Once you click and enter your information, they have access to your personal or financial data.

What should you do?

The Ministry is urging everyone in Qatar to be cautious. If you receive any suspicious links via SMS or messaging apps, don’t click on them. And never, ever share personal or financial info through such channels.

Instead:

• Report the message to the authorities.

• Delete it immediately.

• Warn your friends and family.

The MOI won’t tolerate cybercrimes

Qatar’s security forces have made it clear: cybercrime won’t be tolerated. Legal action is already underway against the arrested suspects, and the MOI is continuing its efforts to protect residents from online threats.

This crackdown is a reminder that cybersecurity starts with awareness. So the next time a message seems a little too urgent or suspicious, trust your instincts and hit delete.