Personal data being misused for financial exploitation RIYADH — Saudi Interpol has warned of the increasing incidence of electronic fraud involved in buying and selling via the Internet. In a statement Saturday, it urged the public to exercise caution while using the Internet and not to be misled by advertisements for clandestine business opportunities many of which involve fake companies. It also warned people not be deceived by job ads outside the Kingdom. The advertisers seek the personal data of the applicant, which Interpol warned, could be used for extortion and financial exploitation. In January this year, the Ministry of Interior warned the public about the increasing number of con artists posing as bank officials trying to rob people of their hard-earned cash. The ministry issued the warning after receiving complaints from citizens and expatriates that they have been receiving phone calls from unidentified persons pretending that they were bank officials. The “officials” try to get people to reveal their ATM card personal identification numbers (PIN) and other information over the telephone, by saying they need to update their bank information, said the ministry.
