Beware of swindlers with 'magical' powers: police

People are increasingly falling victims to fraudsters who claim to know means of replicating money.

Several such swindlers who use magic and sorcery have been arrested, said a top official who warned residents who dream of making quick bucks.  

Brigadier Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director, Criminal Investigation Department, Dubai Police, said: "About 38 such cases were recorded in 2010. However, in the recent past there has been a setback in nabbing such swindlers because they are outwitting authorities by their actions.

Last year there were 36 cases brought to light. Some fraudsters even resort to 'witchcraft' to lure ignorant people."

He warned public from falling into such traps and urged that the aim of the police department is to provide a safe social environment for residents. 

Al Mansouri also lauded the efforte of the Anti-Economic Crimes Department who fight tooth and nail in combating witchcraft and sorcery, which is also on the rise in the emirates.

Some swindlers have begun resorting to mobile phones and emails to cheat people and cautioned residents not to attend calls or SMS from unknown numbers.

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