UAE retailer Lulu issues warning over telephone fraudsters

UAE retailer Lulu has issued a warning to customers on the receiving end of telephone fraudsters trying to trick them into revealing their banking details.

The nationwide hypermarket has lodged a complaint with police after callers falsely claiming to represent the company tried to obtain personal information, such as bank account and card details, by offering prizes and special offers.

Lulu has taken out advertisements in UAE newspapers to urge its customers not to disclose their personal data.

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Lulu warns shoppers against fake promotional offers

The company emphasised that the callers do not represent the Lulu.

The retailer urges members of the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with anyone asking for sensitive financial information.

Lulu reiterated that it never contacts or authorises anyone on its behalf to contact customers or members of the public to ask for personal information.

It is the second time in a matter of months that Lulu has been forced to take the public step to warn about fraudsters.

In April, shoppers received phone calls and text messages promising them discount vouchers.

Lulu Group issued a statement warning shoppers about fake posts on social media regarding raffle prizes and gift vouchers and clarified that these were not released by Lulu.

It had also lodged a complaint with the police, the statement said.

As part of the scam, UAE residents received phone calls from people claiming to work with Lulu with news about winning a prize.

The callers then asked for personal and financial information including their bank account and card details.

The message promising free vouchers to celebrate Lulu’s 18th anniversary contained a link to a fake website requiring banking information.

In June, Dubai Police issued a warning to residents to be vigilant about phone scams, after an increase in cases.

Police said that 33 alleged fraudsters were arrested in two months for tricking residents into transferring money as fees for awards they believed they had won.