Beware of Benefit Pay Scams: A Growing Threat to Íæż½ã½ãs in Bahrain
By Mohamed Rashid CK
Member of the Íæż½ã½ã Community – Bahrain
As an expat in Bahrain, settling into a new life brings not only exciting opportunities but also unexpected challenges — one of which is the risk of being targeted by scammers. Among the most concerning and increasingly common frauds affecting both locals and expats alike is the Benefit Pay scam.
What Is the Benefit Pay Scam?
Benefit Pay is a legitimate and widely used mobile payment application in Bahrain, trusted for secure financial transactions. Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting its popularity and users' trust by posing as Benefit Pay representatives.
In one real-life incident, a close friend of mine fell victim to this scam and lost hundreds of Bahraini Dinars. Here's how it typically unfolds:
1. The Setup
  The scammer sends an SMS or WhatsApp message pretending to be from the official BenefitPay team. Often, the message contains logos or links that look authentic to create a sense of legitimacy.
2. The Call
  Soon after, a phone call follows. The scammer speaks confidently, using official terminology and sometimes Arabic to sound more convincing. They claim there's a problem with your account, or you’ve won a reward that needs to be verified.
3. The Psychological Manipulation
  The scammer gradually gains your trust. Their calm demeanor and urgency make you believe they are genuinely trying to help. They create confusion and pressure, steering the conversation in a way that you feel compelled to follow their instructions without question.
4. The Critical Moment: Asking for the OTP
  Once they have your trust, they ask for the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone, claiming it is necessary to verify or protect your account. Unfortunately, sharing this code gives them access to your wallet, and within seconds, funds start disappearing.
Common Warning Signs to Look Out For
* Unsolicited messages or calls claiming to be from Benefit Pay
* Urgent language pushing you to act quickly or risk losing access
* Requests for personal information, passwords, or OTPs
* Fake links or login pages resembling the original BenefitPay interface
* Caller ID spoofing showing a local or even official-looking number
Tips to Protect Yourself and Others
1. Never share your OTP
  No legitimate financial institution or payment app will ever ask for your OTP or password over a call or message.
2. Verify through official channels
  If you receive a suspicious message or call, hang up and directly contact Benefit Pay's customer service using their verified number.
3. Educate your family and friends
  Spread awareness, especially among new expats or elderly family members who may be less familiar with digital scams.
4. Report the incident
  Contact Bahrain’s Cyber Crime Unit or your nearest police station if you suspect fraud. Reporting can help authorities take action and protect others.
5. Enable app security features
  Use biometric authentication (fingerprint/face ID) and app-specific passcodes to add extra layers of protection.
Final Thoughts
Living abroad is a learning journey, and part of that journey involves staying safe — not just physically but digitally. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, it's crucial for expats in Bahrain to remain vigilant and informed.
If you’ve experienced or heard of similar scams, don’t hesitate to share your story. By speaking up, we empower others in our community to recognize and avoid these traps before it’s too late.
Stay safe, stay smart. Let’s protect one another.
— Mohamed Rashid
