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Fraud cases rise 26%, most victims fall to pyramid schemes

Monday, 2 February 2026 20:15

Muscat – Fraud cases in Oman are continuing to climb despite sustained awareness campaigns, the Public Prosecution has warned, describing the crime as one built on deception and the sale of false promises. Speaking at the Public Prosecution’s annual media briefing on Monday, Attorney General Nasr Khamis al Sawai said fraud-related offences rose by 26%, […]

Muscat – Fraud cases in Oman are continuing to climb despite sustained awareness campaigns, the Public Prosecution has warned, describing the crime as one built on deception and the sale of false promises.

Speaking at the Public Prosecution’s annual media briefing on Monday, Attorney General Nasr Khamis al Sawai said fraud-related offences rose by 26%, even as authorities intensified public warnings. He noted that pyramid-style schemes remain a persistent concern, with a number of people still falling victim.

“We are still, to this day, chasing the sale of illusions, because fraud is about deceiving a person with something that is not true,” Sawai said.

He added that some perpetrators entice victims with promises of monthly returns of up to 30% – a claim he described as unrealistic and a common warning sign in fraud cases.

According to Sawai, many fraud offences centre on promises of quick and exaggerated financial gains, with offenders exploiting trust, limited financial awareness and the desire for fast profits.

He stressed that tackling fraud requires not only firm law enforcement but also greater vigilance from individuals and families. He urged the public to verify investment offers carefully and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has meanwhile underscored that the ban on selling, advertising and promoting goods and services through pyramid schemes is a key step in curbing commercial fraud. The ban, the ministry said, will also help prevent monopolistic practices.

Pyramid schemes, sometimes presented under labels such as network marketing, multi-level marketing or hierarchical marketing, typically channel earnings from participants at lower levels to those at the top. The ministry noted that such structures are frequently linked to fraudulent activity.

“In network marketing, an individual is often asked to make a small upfront investment for the opportunity to sell products directly to friends, family and personal contacts,” the ministry said, warning that these models can mask pyramid-style operations.

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