To safeguard residents from financial losses and fraud, UAE authorities have pinpointed 11 prevalent scams targeting individuals and businesses nationwide. With the rise of cybercrime globally, the UAE is not immune, making awareness crucial in fighting these threats.
From scammers impersonating government officials to fake job offers circulating on social media, here’s a summary of the scams residents should be cautious of:
Impersonation of Authorities: Scammers call or email, pretending to represent government agencies, and demand sensitive information or payments.
Fake Job Offers: Fraudsters create attractive job listings online to collect fees for jobs that don’t exist.
Bank Fraud Alerts: Victims receive fraudulent calls or messages claiming suspicious activity on their bank accounts, tricking them into revealing personal information.
Social Media Phishing: Links disguised as promotions or contests can steal personal data when clicked.
E-commerce Scams: Fake websites offer products at unbelievable prices, but the items never arrive.
Advance Fee Frauds: Victims are promised large sums of money in exchange for paying upfront fees.
Investment Scams: Offers of “too good to be true” returns entice individuals into fraudulent investment schemes.
Rental Fraud: Scammers take deposits for properties they do not own.
Charity Fraud: Appeals for fake charities take advantage of people’s generosity.
Lottery Scams: Notifications claim winnings in lotteries that the victim never entered.
Technical Support Fraud: Scammers pose as tech support to gain access to devices or extort money.
How to Protect Yourself
Verify calls and messages by reaching out to official entities directly.
Be cautious of job offers that require upfront fees.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially from unknown sources.
Use secure payment methods for online shopping.
Report any suspected fraud to local authorities immediately.
As digital crime continues to rise, staying informed and vigilant is the best way to protect yourself. UAE police are dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, but awareness is key.
