A growing number of UAE residents are falling victim to a sophisticated scam that is draining their mobile phone balances. Malicious VPN apps are at the heart of this issue, with unsuspecting users losing hundreds of dirhams without realizing it.
Noor Ahmed, a long-time resident, experienced firsthand the financial impact of this scam. He noticed unexplained deductions from his postpaid mobile account, only to discover that a VPN app he had installed was the culprit. “I was shocked to find out that the VPN was siphoning off my balance,” he said.
Masoom Fatima, another victim, shared a similar ordeal. “My mobile credit would vanish within days of recharging,” she explained. She eventually realized that uninstalling her VPN app resolved the issue.
While the use of VPNs is legal in the UAE, experts warn that not all VPN apps are created equal. Malicious versions can grant hackers access to sensitive information, including mobile payment details.
Ezzeldin Hussein, regional senior director for solution engineering at Sentinel One, explained how these apps operate. “These malicious VPN apps can essentially take control of your phone, making unauthorized purchases without your knowledge,” he said.
Karthik Anandarao, chief technical evangelist at Manage Engine, emphasized that even with a VPN, users are not entirely protected from cyberattacks. “Hackers can still access your device and steal information,” he warned.
To combat this growing threat, telecom operators are implementing measures to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. However, experts advise users to remain vigilant, regularly monitor their accounts, and report any suspicious activity.
