TDT | Manama
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Report by Zahra Ayaz
What was supposed to be an exciting draw for shoppers at Bahrain’s various popular shopping malls turned out to be a nightmare for some. Mr. Saurabh, an Indian expatriate, recently came forward to share such experiences to unravel a scam that affected many unsuspecting victims.
The 34-year-old man told the Daily Tribune that the scam involved agents collecting personal information, including CPR numbers and contact information, from individuals visiting malls and other shopping centers in Bahrain. He explained that he was involved.
“These agents lure customers with the promise of winning gold coins in a raffle. Many foreigners are attracted by the prospect of winning valuable prizes and are willing to share their personal information to participate in the raffle. Participated.
“Shortly after providing these details, the participants received a phone call from someone purporting to be a representative of the company, informing them of the potential prize and instructing them to collect the prize from various locations.”
He continued. “However, upon arrival, individuals were forced to purchase a holiday package ranging from BD250 to BD2,000. This package included accommodation in luxury three- to five-star hotels tailored to the customer’s tastes. Saurabh himself became a victim of this scam.
After winning a gift in a raffle, I received a phone call offering me an attractive tour package. Wary of possible fraud, Saurabh refrained from accepting the offer. However, a few months later, I received a call from another company offering a similar tour package. This time, Saurabh’s excitement got the better of him and he paid BD450 for the promised vacation.
scam
Unfortunately, after making the payment, Mr. Saurabh received no further communication from the company. It soon became clear that he had fallen prey to a scam. Determined to raise awareness and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal, Saurabh lodged a complaint with the authorities.
Both government agencies involved have ceased operations and their owners have left Bahrain, but Saurabh hopes speaking out will protect others from becoming victims. An investigation by the Daily Tribune revealed that multiple individuals were victims of the scam.
The company’s official website revealed several Google reviews from dissatisfied customers, further highlighting the fraudulent practices being practiced by the company. Simarjeet Kaur expressed frustration over unanswered emails and phone calls, while Alan Pankaj urged fellow victims to consider legal options.
The Daily Tribune made several attempts to reach the company for comment to no avail. This shocking incident is a reminder for shoppers to be careful when sharing personal information or entering prize draws.