According to the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, its July statistics showed 54 reports tied to fraudulent websites, the highest share among the complaints received. Phone calls generated 52 reports while WhatsApp accounted for 26 and social media platforms for 24, completing the total of 156 cases involving suspicious messages, malicious links and deceptive calls. CITRA has pushed users to report such incidents without delay so investigators can track the perpetrators and limit further harm to internet and mobile subscribers across the country.
The authority warned that scammers routinely deploy fake websites, phishing messages and fraudulent phone calls in attempts to extract personal, financial or banking details from unsuspecting recipients. CITRA’s figures show these tactics have remained consistent through the month, targeting both citizens and residents who increasingly rely on digital channels for routine transactions. Officials have stressed the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any unsolicited request before sharing information or clicking embedded links.
CITRA has directed the public to utilise its Aman reporting service, which operates through the Sahel mobile application and enables immediate submission of suspected phishing or scam attempts. This channel has supported the collection and analysis of the July reports, allowing the regulator to map patterns in criminal activity. Data from the authority indicates the service has become a primary tool for residents seeking to flag threats without visiting physical offices.
The July tally reflects CITRA’s broader work under its data privacy protection regulations, which set standards for licensed service providers and include public awareness initiatives on digital risks. Administrative decisions issued by the authority have emphasised compliance measures that help shield users from emerging cyber threats in a market where online activity continues to expand. Similar regulatory efforts across the Gulf have likewise focused on rapid response to fraud complaints as digital economies mature.
By maintaining these reporting mechanisms, CITRA aims to disrupt the operations of fraud networks that exploit trust in familiar communication platforms. The authority’s latest release reiterates advice against engaging with unknown contacts who solicit sensitive data under any pretext. Residents who encounter such approaches can forward details directly through approved channels to support ongoing enforcement actions.
