Release date: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 6:02 PM
Dear KT readers, beware: Several malicious websites are posing as Khaleej Times and mimicking the news platform’s design and branding to promote “tantalizing” but deceptive content.
In recent weeks, numerous social media posts bearing the KT logo and “controversial” headlines have appeared, enticing unsuspecting netizens to click and engage. Often seen on Facebook, the posts lead to websites that look similar to Khaleej Times.
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Among the first to circulate online were fake articles about Dubai-based influencer “Mo Vlogs” that appeared in July. These clickbait links had headlines like “I didn’t know my microphone was on” and “I regret revealing the truth.” And more recently, the same false articles were attached to a prominent UAE businessman.
Here are some examples:
The articles are published on websites that mimic the design of the Khaleej Times website. However, they are fake. No news media publishes these articles. Astute readers will notice that the articles ultimately link to trading websites, designed to trick unaware people into spending their money.
A closer look at the URL of the fake website reveals that it is a completely different address from the official Khaleej Times platform. KT publishes news only on www.khaleejtimes.com and shares articles on the following social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/khaleejtimeshttps://x.com/khaleejtimeshttps://www.instagram.com/khaleejtimes
Don’t click on suspicious links and never enter your personal or bank details if a form pops up on a fake site.
The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards cybercrime, and publishing or sharing fake news is a serious offence carrying heavy fines.
There has been an increase in online scams tricking people into clicking on malicious links and giving up sensitive information such as personal and bank details. Residents are urged to check website URLs and double-check the source of social media posts before clicking on links or sharing posts.
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