A Saudi woman withdraws money from an ATM machine in Riyadh. (File/AFP)

RIYADH, Broadcasting news corporation : Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution said its financial fraud unit has started an investigation into 11 suspects who were allegedly part of a criminal organization that sought to defraud citizens and residents. The gang was based in a house that they used to perpetrate their illegal actions and the suspects were apprehended pending investigation, Saudi Press Agency reported. Investigative procedures showed that the suspects had posed as bank employees and sent random text messages to their victims saying that their access to ATMs had been deactivated and that they were required to provide the fraudsters with personal information and passwords to reactivate the services. The suspects then used the details gained to access the bank accounts of their victims and withdrew money from them. Messages between the suspects and their victims showed that they also requested verification codes for accessing bank services and government services on the Absher platform. The prosecution highlighted the importance of social awareness and stressed that personal details should not be shared with anyone except through accredited channels. The public prosecutor has previously endorsed a decision to establish a specialized unit to investigate financial fraud crimes and carry out procedures such as freezing accounts in which stolen money has been deposited in, SPA said. NEWS COLLECTED FROM ARAB NEWS.