Global Rewards – Demeridian Group of Companies
Have you recently received a call claiming you’ve won a free gift voucher for desert safaris, movie tickets, or even a 7-day hotel stay worldwide? If so, you may have encountered the De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam.
It all sounds too good to be true, and unfortunately, it often is. Many UAE residents have fallen victim to this cleverly disguised scam, losing thousands of dirhams in the process.
In this article, we will uncover the truth behind the De Meridian Loyalty Card, how the scam works, and what you should do to protect yourself from falling into this trap.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand how the scam operates, what signs to watch for, and how to safeguard your hard-earned money.
How the De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam Works
The De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam is a widespread fraud that has been reported by numerous UAE residents. It typically begins with a seemingly innocent phone call.
The caller congratulates you, claiming that you have won a special offer such as free desert safari tickets, movie vouchers, or a 7-day stay at hotels around the world. These enticing offers often come with an invitation to bring your spouse or family to their office to claim the prize.
Once you arrive, things take a different turn. The representatives will pressure you to “register” for the De Meridian Loyalty Card in order to unlock additional benefits, such as worldwide hotel stays and even free flight tickets.
The catch?
They ask for a hefty registration fee, typically around 8,000 dirhams, under the guise that it’s a one-time payment for exclusive membership benefits.
Excited by the prospects, many people sign the agreements, hand over the money, and expect to start enjoying their rewards. However, once the payment is made and the agreement signed, everything changes.
The company becomes unresponsive, emails go unanswered, and phone calls are ignored.
The promised benefits never materialize, leaving victims with nothing but frustration and financial loss.
Pressure Tactics and False Promises
One of the main tactics used by De Meridian representatives is urgency. They will often tell you that today is the last day to avail yourself of this exclusive offer.
This creates a sense of pressure, leading many to act impulsively without thoroughly reviewing the terms or researching the company.
In many cases, they will tell you that if you don’t act now, you will lose out on these limited-time offers. This psychological tactic pushes people into making quick decisions, leaving little room for rational thinking or investigation into the legitimacy of the deal.
Additionally, the agents are skilled at making the entire operation seem legitimate. They have offices set up, well-dressed staff, and contracts that look official.
However, once the agreements are signed, and the money is handed over, their customer service disappears.
Real Experiences from Victims in UAE
Reports of the De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam are scattered across various online platforms, including Google and Reddit.
Victims have shared eerily similar experiences of being lured in by promises of free vouchers and luxurious hotel stays, only to be left high and dry after making their payment.
One victim recounted how they were called by De Meridian and told they had won a free 7-day hotel stay. The catch? They had to attend a meeting with their spouse to collect the prize.
Once there, they were pressured into paying 8,000 dirhams to secure additional benefits like free flights and worldwide hotel stays.
After signing the contract and making the payment, the company stopped responding to their calls and emails. Weeks later, they realized they had been scammed.
Another individual reported a similar experience on Reddit, saying they were offered free desert safari tickets but were asked to pay upfront for a “membership” that would grant them access to exclusive travel deals.
Like many others, they were left with nothing but an empty wallet after the company became unreachable.
These stories are not isolated incidents but part of a growing trend of scams targeting unsuspecting UAE residents.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve fallen victim to the De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam, there are steps you can take to seek justice and potentially recover your money.
First and foremost, file a complaint with the UAE’s Consumer Protection Department by visiting consumerrights.ae. This government platform is designed to protect consumers from fraud and malpractice.
Additionally, you should notify your bank immediately and provide them with details of the transaction. In some cases, banks may be able to assist in reversing payments or conducting investigations.
It’s also a good idea to report the scam to your local police station. The more complaints authorities receive, the higher the chances of taking legal action against fraudulent companies like De Meridian.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams in the Future
The De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam serves as a harsh reminder that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Here are a few tips to help you avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future:
- Do Your Research: Before committing to any offer or signing any contract, take the time to research the company. Check reviews online, visit forums like Reddit, and see if others have reported negative experiences.
- Don’t Act Under Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to force you into making quick decisions. Always take the time to think things through, and never feel obligated to act immediately.
- Ask for References: If the offer seems legitimate, ask the company for references or examples of satisfied customers. Legitimate businesses should have no problem providing you with this information.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. Scammers are skilled at making fraudulent offers seem genuine, but if anything seems suspicious, it’s better to walk away than risk losing your money.
Conclusion
The De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam has caught many UAE residents off guard with its tempting offers of free vouchers, desert safaris, and worldwide hotel stays.
But beneath the surface lies a fraudulent operation designed to strip you of your money and disappear without delivering on its promises.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to such scams. Always do your research, don’t give in to pressure, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Stay cautious, and help spread the word about the De Meridian Loyalty Card Scam to protect others from becoming victims.
