Stay Informed. Stay Protected.

Quishing

Scan = Click

Would you click a random link from a stranger?

Scanning a QR code is the same thing.

It opens a website, and if it’s fake, it could steal your login, card details, or even install malware.

Where you might see fake QR codes

• Posters or flyers in public places.
• Fake customer service messages.
• WhatsApp or SMS from unknown numbers.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• Only scan QR codes from trusted sources never from random messages or posters.
• Double check the website that opens after scanning.
• If a QR code asks for your banking login or card details, stop immediately.
• Report suspicious QR codes to Doha Bank.

Money Mule

“It’s just a quick transfer,” they said.

Kareem was between jobs when someone he barely knew messaged him:

“Can I send some money to your account? My bank’s not working. You’ll get a small cut.”

It sounded easy. But something didn’t feel right. Why couldn’t he use their own account?

Kareem looked it up and realized he was being set up. If he had agreed, he could’ve been held responsible for helping criminals move stolen money.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• Never allow anyone to use your bank account, not for any reason.
• Don’t accept money from people you don’t fully trust and know well.
• Refuse offers of “easy money” or “quick commissions” they are often a trap.
• Block and report anyone who asks you to move money for them.
• Be weary of donations offered from unknown individuals or organizations.
• Your account is your responsibility. Don’t risk your future for someone else’s crime.

MOI calls

MOI

It started with a call claiming to be from the Ministry of Interior. The caller said they needed to verify your identity. The tone was serious. The pressure was intense.

You know the rules, never share OTPs or personal details but they threaten you with fines or legal action to pressure you into complying.

You were warned will face repercussions if you did not act immediately. You share your QID and the and OTP from Metrash.

Scammers use fear to control you. That’s when the truth became clear. It wasn’t the Ministry. It was a scam.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• Report any incidents of government impersonation to the Ministry of Interior’s Criminal Investigation Department at +974 66815757 / +974 2347444 or cccc@moi.gov.qa.
• No official will ever ask for your PIN, OTP, or card number.
• Government agencies do not verify identity over WhatsApp.
• Urgency and threats are red flags.
• Stop and verify Call the official MOI or bank number directly.

Sharing OTPs

It’s not just a code

An OTP (One-Time Password) is a temporary security code sent by Doha Bank to authorize your action.

You wouldn’t give your ATM PIN to a stranger, so never share your OTP. Even if someone says they’re from the bank, Doha Bank will never ask for your OTP over the phone, email, or SMS.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• Never share your OTP with anyone.
• If you receive an OTP you didn’t request, report it immediately.
• Always verify suspicious requests by contacting Doha Bank directly.

Crypto and Investment Scams

Rashid’s crypto loss

Rashid, a 32 year old engineer in Doha, was added to a Telegram group that looked like a legitimate crypto trading community. The group had charts, testimonials, and even Arabic speaking admins claiming to be licensed traders.

One admin messaged Rashid privately, offering a “special opportunity” to invest in a new coin. He was told to transfer QAR 5,000 to a local account and register on a trading site. The site went as far as to share fake profits within hours.

Encouraged, Rashid invested QAR 15,000 more. When he tried to withdraw, the site demanded a “release fee.” Then it stopped responding. The Telegram group disappeared. Rashid realized he’d been scammed.

The long game

Faisal, a 45 year old small business owner in Qatar, was approached on LinkedIn by someone claiming to be a crypto analyst working with a “regulated firm in Dubai.” Over two weeks, they built trust through market talk and shared interests.

Faisal was invited to a private WhatsApp group and offered personal investment guidance. He transferred QAR 10,000 to a wallet address for a “starter package.” The platform showed fake profits. When he tried to withdraw, he was asked to deposit more.

After the second payment, the analyst disappeared. The group was deleted. Faisal had been groomed and defrauded.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• Be skeptical of promises for quick, high returns.
• Do not invest based on someone’s word alone.
• Remember that crypto trading is not permitted in Qatar.
• Be cautious of businesses that operate exclusively through messaging apps like Telegram and SnapChat, which offer less transparency and accountability than official channels.
• Scammers intentionally use techniques like Arabic language groups, fake testimonials, and professional platforms to build trust.
• Never transfer money to unknown individuals or platforms.
• Doha Bank does not support or promote crypto investments.

Goods Scam

That Deal Won’t Wait! But You Should

You spot it on social media, its that item you’ve had your eye on at a tempting price!

The website looks familiar with an organized layout. You’re told to hurry before it’s gone.

That’s the trap.

Scammers spin up fake websites that look just real enough. You enter your card, punch in the OTP, and get a fake confirmation. No delivery. Just a real transaction and real money gone.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Always check the URL carefully before entering details.
• Never share OTPs on unfamiliar sites.
• Slow down, urgency is the scammer’s weapon.
• If you have shared your card details, freeze your card immediately.

Events Scam

Booked your ticket or a scam?

Event season’s here. The city’s loud, the lineups are stacked, and everyone’s chasing tickets before they vanish.

Some scammers invent events that don’t exist. Others piggyback on real ones, selling tickets they don’t have. Their sites are always convincing and the countdown clocks tick.

You pay, get a confirmation, and think you’re set. The ticket may never be sent to you, or then the date could roll around and you find either the event never existed, or the ticket you received was never valid.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t trust ticket links from random sources.
• Always book through official channels.
• Never share OTPs on unfamiliar sites.
• If you have shared your card details, freeze your card immediately.

Employment Scam

Easy job. Easy money. Big trouble

You get a job offer that sounds perfect, work from home, flexible hours, and a contract that looks legitimate.

The role? “Collections agent.” The task? Receive funds, move them to another account, and keep a small fee.

Sounds harmless. It’s not.

This is a scam and a crime. Scammers use fake jobs to recruit people into laundering stolen money. The moment you move those funds, your part of the fraud chain. Don’t let a fake job put you in a real trap.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• Be wary of jobs that involve handling money.
• Never share your account for transfers.
• Research the company through official sources.
• Remember your personal account should not be used for commercial purposes.
• Report suspicious offers immediately.

Fraudulent delivery notifications

Your Parcel? Or Their Trap?

You get an SMS saying your package is stuck, it claims to be from sources like QPost and DHL and asks you to click a link to update delivery details or pay a fee.

Sounds official. It’s not.

These messages are fake. Scammers use them to steal your money and personal data. One click can expose your bank details and lead to fraud.

Time to Beat Fraud: Spot It, Stop It

• If you didn’t buy it, think twice. Always verify before you click.
• Don’t click suspicious links.
• Verify through the request through the delivery companies’ official channels.
• If you have shared your card details, freeze your card immediately.