Dubai Police have warned residents about online scams spread through fake social media advertisements and cloned websites, urging the public to verify links and beneficiary details before making any payment or sharing personal information.
Hamad Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Anti-Fraud Center at Dubai Police, said fraudsters replicate legitimate websites almost exactly, changing only a single letter in a web address or swapping a domain suffix. In a hurry to complete a transaction, most people miss the difference.
‘Fraudsters use advertisements on social media and copy websites exactly like the original websites, with only a slight difference,’ Al Suwaidi said.
How Dubai Police online scams are carried out
The scams are not confined to one type of target. Online shoppers, people seeking digital services and residents looking for everyday conveniences have all been caught out. No age group is exempt.
Artificial intelligence is sharpening the tools available to fraudsters. Fake calls and AI-generated content can make fraudulent communications sound and look authentic, lowering the guard of people who may not have enough digital experience to spot the warning signs.
‘Technology has contributed significantly, especially for people who do not have enough knowledge or experience, making it easier for them to fall into the trap of fraud,’ Al Suwaidi said.
Dubai Police have previously flagged a specific variant involving fake travel websites and social media accounts advertising deeply discounted holiday packages, hotel stays and airline tickets. Residents were advised to book only through licensed agencies and trusted platforms, check website addresses carefully, and refuse to pay under time pressure.
During the second quarter of 2026, Dubai Police shut down 103 fraudulent social media accounts as part of their anti-fraud operations. Fraud, cybercrime and economic crime indicators declined in the first half of 2026, according to a quarterly review by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, where senior officials assessed crime trends, operational performance and measures to counter emerging threats.
The review was chaired by Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs Maj. Gen. Hareb Al Shamsi, who said tackling sophisticated fraud requires close cooperation between law enforcement, public institutions and the community.
What to do if you are targeted
Dubai Police stress that speed is the single most important factor for victims. Anyone who has been defrauded should immediately secure or close the affected account, then file a report without delay.
‘The victim should close their account and submit a complaint through e-Crime, SPS or at a police station as soon as possible so that the police can take action,’ Al Suwaidi said.
Waiting several days significantly reduces the chance of recovering funds or stopping further damage.
Residents can report online scams, phishing messages, fake job advertisements and suspicious emails directly through the Dubai Police eCrime Hub at ecrimehub.gov.ae. The Dubai Electronic Security Center notes the portal covers crimes that occurred within Dubai’s geographical scope.
Beyond individual reporting, Dubai Police are actively blocking fraudulent websites and fake accounts, and running public awareness campaigns.
Al Suwaidi said the public has a direct role to play: ‘We urge members of the public to report fraudulent websites and fake social media accounts when they come across them. People should not trust a link simply because it looks professional, and they should verify the beneficiary’s details before transferring any money or sharing personal or banking information. Taking a few extra seconds to check can prevent a costly mistake.’
Dubai Police have not specified a deadline for the current awareness campaign, but the force continues to publish warning posters and run outreach as fraud methods evolve.
