Online Scams & Fraud in Qatar

In Qatar, the rise of online scams and fraud has become a significant concern as technology continues to advance. With a keen focus on cybersecurity, Qatar's National Cybersecurity Agency has taken significant steps to safeguard its citizens and businesses from cyber threats. In a remarkable feat, the agency has trained an impressive number of 25,000 employees in various aspects of cybersecurity.

Nevertheless, even after the World Cup, scams remain a major concern for Qatar, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and preventive measures. 

Join us as we reveal where you can report scams in Qatar, how to report online scams, and where you can get victim support.

Scam Statistics in Qatar

The key statistics on online fraud in Qatar, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance. 

The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.

Where Can I Report a Scam in Qatar?

• Criminal Investigation Department- You can also report online scams and fraud to the CID either through their hotline, +974 66815757, or email cccc@moi.gov.qa.
• The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre- You can report scams via phone and email to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
• The Consumer Protection and Combating Commercial Fraud- You can file any consumer-related fraud to the Combating Commercial Fraud Section.

How to Report a Scam in Qatar

Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.

• Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
• Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
• Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
• Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.

Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.

Scam Victim Support in Qatar

We are unaware of any scam victim support organization in Qatar.

How to check for a scam in Qatar

Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.

• Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA)- You can check for investment scams as well as financial-related scams here.

Anti-Scam Organizations & Consumer Authorities

• The Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team (Q-Cert)- They are instrumental in securing the country’s information infrastructure and work under the Qatar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC).
• The National Cybersecurity Agency- With over 25,000 employees, they are tasked with manning different aspects of information security in Qatar

Popular Scams in Qatar

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams targeting users in Qatar using the names of well-known local brands, including banks, delivery services, and postal agencies, have become a persistent issue. Victims may receive emails or text messages posing as the national postal service, requesting payment for a pending delivery or customs fee. 

Upon clicking the provided link, they are directed to a deceptive webpage where they unknowingly provide their bank card details. Subsequently, the scammers swiftly deduct the supposed fee from the victim's bank account and transfer it, along with the obtained bank card information, to their own accounts. These phishing attempts have resulted in an average loss of approximately 656 euros per victim, according to estimates by Group-IB. It is crucial to remain vigilant and exercise caution to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Scam News From Qatar

• Qatar arrests nine men for running fake visa trade companies
• Nigerians warned against scams involving Hayya Card

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