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MoCIIP warns of fake ministerial statement used in online fraud

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 20:39

Muscat – Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has issued a warning regarding the circulation of a fabricated ‘ministerial statement’ being used to promote fictitious online stores claiming official registration in Oman. In a statement, the ministry confirmed that it recently detected this fraudulent activity, which aims to mislead consumers by promoting unlicensed […]

Muscat – Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has issued a warning regarding the circulation of a fabricated ‘ministerial statement’ being used to promote fictitious online stores claiming official registration in Oman.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed that it recently detected this fraudulent activity, which aims to mislead consumers by promoting unlicensed e-commerce platforms under the guise of official endorsement.

MoCIIP clarified that it has not issued any such statement and urged the public to exercise caution. Consumers are advised to engage only with online stores officially licensed through the Oman Business Platform and verified via the Maroof Oman platform. The ministry also stressed the importance of verifying the contact information provided by online stores, ensuring it matches the data listed in the official commercial register, to avoid falling victim to scams.

As part of efforts to regulate and boost the e-commerce sector, MoCIIP issued Ministerial Decision No 499/2023 two years ago outlining comprehensive regulations for online trade in Oman. Under these regulations, individuals who do not have a commercial register can apply for an e-commerce licence electronically, provided they meet certain criteria. Commercial entities must be registered in the commercial registry, while non-Omani investors are permitted to engage in e-commerce in accordance with the Foreign Capital Investment Law.

To ensure compliance, MoCIIP holds the authority to take enforcement actions, including fines of up to RO500, temporary suspension of licence, or in severe and repeated violations within a three-year period, permanent revocation of licence and blocking of offending online stores.

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