Don't Be Deceived Campaign

In light of the rapid technological advancement and the growing use of the internet in daily transactions, the Royal Oman Police, in cooperation with Bank Muscat, launched an annual awareness campaign titled “Don’t Be Deceived”, which began in 2020 and continues to this day.

This campaign was launched in response to the continuous evolution of cyber fraud methods and techniques, with the aim of protecting individuals from falling victim to scams and digital blackmail through proactive awareness and the promotion of cybersecurity knowledge.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the ever-evolving threats of online fraud, introduce the various tactics employed, and highlight ways to stay protected. It targets all segments of society, across all age groups and backgrounds, by presenting types of fraud in a simplified manner and through realistic scenarios.

To strengthen rapid response and protect potential victims, the Royal Oman Police has designated a direct helpline (80077444) for reporting and inquiring about incidents of cyber fraud and extortion.

The campaign exemplifies an effective model of digital participation. Its educational messages are delivered through digital visual content broadcast via official channels and social media platforms, making it more accessible and engaging for the public. It addresses three real-life examples of cyber fraud: fake cryptocurrency trading, emotional manipulation scams, and suspicious money transfers. This interactive approach helps deliver the campaign’s message to a broad audience, reinforces awareness, and encourages prompt reporting, thus supporting national efforts in digital protection.

Through this campaign, the Sultanate of Oman reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding society using innovative digital tools that contribute to building a more informed and secure community. The campaign emphasizes the conviction that prevention begins with knowledge and that digital security is a shared responsibility among authorities, institutions, and the general public.