Are you interested in a part-time job? This job is straightforward: you enter Google Maps and give a 5-star rating to some restaurants to get paid. Each task pays Dh10-Dh400, and you can earn up to Dh2,000 per day.

If you've received a message on WhatsApp or via regular text promising extra income, be wary. It's a scam. Rachel (name changed), a Dubai hotelier, fell victim to this fraudulent scheme, losing nearly Dh66,000. Rachel, an Indian expat, acknowledged her mistake but aims to prevent others from falling into the same trap.

Rachel's unfortunate experience is part of a widespread scam targeting thousands of people on WhatsApp, siphoning an estimated Dh400 million from victims globally. The AI cybersecurity firm CloudSEK reported that Rachel and others are lured in with promises of high commissions, only to be tricked into significant losses.

Rachel initially earned Dh175 for simple digital tasks and was enticed by the easy money. However, she unknowingly set herself up for substantial losses. As the tasks advanced, she ended up paying Dh46,000, expecting Dh99,000 in commissions, only to be asked for an additional Dh20,000 in taxes. This led to her realization that she had fallen for a scam, resulting in the loss of her life savings.

These scams are not uncommon in the region. Just last year, Middle East residents, including those from the UAE, were cheated out of millions of dollars by a fraudulent earning app called Sky Media, which claimed partnerships with major platforms before disappearing with users' funds. Victims, hoping to earn easy money, ended up losing substantial sums through deceptive tactics.

As a cautionary measure, Ras Al Khaimah police warned residents about this prevalent fraud. It's important to approach any unsolicited offers of high-paying tasks with skepticism. Job offers promising unrealistic returns and investment opportunities should be thoroughly vetted through official channels. Refrain from disclosing sensitive information to unknown individuals and avoid engaging in financial transactions without first validating the legitimacy of the opportunity.