Fraud and Scam Awareness
Fraud and scam attempts increase during times of uncertainty. Criminals often take advantage of fear, confusion, or urgent situations to pressure people into sharing personal or financial information.
These scams frequently involve individuals pretending to represent trusted organisations such as government authorities, banks, police departments, telecommunications providers, or service companies.
The purpose of this page is to help you:
• Understand the most common scams currently reported in the UAE
• Recognise warning signs of fraud attempts
• Learn how to protect your personal and financial information
• Access educational videos and safety guidance through myZoi MoneyTips
Your security is important. If something feels suspicious, it is always best to stop and verify before taking any action.
Scammers take advantage of situations where people are looking for urgent information, financial assistance, or important updates. They may create messages that sound official or urgent in order to pressure people into sharing personal information quickly.
Taking a moment to verify information before responding can help prevent financial loss.
The following scam activities have recently been reported by residents and authorities.
Scammers are impersonating government departments and emergency authorities. In several reported cases, callers claim to represent Dubai Crisis Management teams or to be affiliated with Dubai Police.
They often contact residents and say they are calling in relation to a national security alert or emergency situation.
These callers may ask for sensitive information such as:
• UAE Pass login details
• Emirates ID numbers
• Verification or authentication codes
• Passport details
• Banking information
The stated purpose may be to "verify identity", "protect your account", or "confirm that you received a national alert".
Authorities have confirmed that government organisations do not request personal or account verification information through phone calls or SMS messages.
Providing this information can allow criminals to access banking applications and financial accounts.
Some scams aim to gain enough personal information to perform what is known as a SIM swap attack. In this type of fraud, criminals transfer your mobile phone number to a new SIM card that they control. Once they have control of the number, they can intercept authentication codes sent by banks or mobile applications.
This can allow criminals to gain unauthorised access to:
• Mobile banking apps
• Financial accounts
• Digital identity platforms
• Payment services
To reduce the risk of this type of fraud, never share:
• One-time passwords (OTP codes)
• UAE Pass login information
• Banking passwords
• Personal verification codes
Banks and official organisations will not ask for these details through unsolicited calls or messages.
Dubai Police have warned residents about fraudulent property advertisements appearing on social media and online marketplaces.
In these scams, criminals advertise apartments at prices significantly below market value to attract interest quickly.
Once a potential tenant responds, the scammers may request:
• Advance deposits
• Reservation fees
• Copies of Emirates ID or passports
• Personal information
Victims are often told the property is in high demand and must send payment immediately to secure it.
Residents should never transfer money for a property that has not been verified and viewed through official channels.
Authorities have reported that certain phone numbers are being used to impersonate government officials.
In some reported cases, callers claimed to represent the Ministry of Interior and asked residents to confirm their Emirates ID number to verify receipt of a national alert.
These calls may also claim to come from:
• Dubai Police
• Tourism organisations offering free vouchers
• Telecommunications companies
• Emergency services
The goal of these calls is usually identity theft or financial fraud.
Residents should not provide personal or financial information to unknown callers claiming to represent official organisations.
Another scam currently circulating involves emails asking residents to complete an "emergency registration form".
These emails claim the registration is required in order to receive:
• Government support
• Emergency compensation
• Insurance coverage
• Crisis assistance
The emails usually contain a link directing recipients to submit personal and identification information.
Authorities have warned that these emails are fraudulent. Official government registration processes are not conducted through unsolicited email links requesting personal information.
Scammers may create websites or advertisements promising high-value rewards such as smartphones, vouchers, or cash prizes.
These offers often claim that you have been selected to receive a reward, but first ask you to:
• Pay a small "processing fee"
• Enter your credit or debit card details
• Submit personal information
Once the information is submitted, the criminals can use the card details to make unauthorised payments. These scams are often more common during festive periods such as Eid when promotional offers are widely advertised.
If a reward offer asks for payment or card details, it is likely a scam.
During times of disruption or crisis, scammers sometimes create fake customer support websites or social media pages that look like official company support channels.
These sites may ask users to submit:
• Account login details
• OTP verification codes
• Bank card details
• Personal identification information
This information can then be used to access financial accounts or perform fraudulent transactions. Always contact customer support using the official website or mobile application of the company.
Do not trust links shared through unknown messages or social media comments.
Many scams follow similar patterns and use urgent or alarming language to pressure people into acting quickly.
Examples of common scam messages include:
• "Bank servers are down. Update your details immediately."
• "Your ATM card has been blocked. Verify your account now."
• "Emergency government support programme. Apply today."
• "International transfer restrictions due to the crisis. Act now."
• "You have received free vouchers from a government partner."
These messages are designed to create panic and urgency. Criminals rely on people reacting quickly without verifying the information.
Following these basic rules can help prevent many types of fraud.
• Banks will never ask for OTP codes.
• Government authorities do not request personal information through WhatsApp messages or unsolicited phone calls.
• No legitimate organisation can block your bank account through an SMS message.
• Never click links in unexpected messages asking for account or personal details.
If you are unsure about a message or call, stop and verify the information through official channels.
If you believe you have received a fraudulent call, message, or email:
• Do not respond to the message.
• Do not click on any links.
• Do not share personal or financial information.
Instead, take the following steps:
• Contact your bank using the official customer service number.
• Verify information through official government websites or applications such as UAE Pass.
• Report suspicious activity to Dubai Police.
Taking a moment to verify information can prevent financial loss and identity theft.
myZoi provides financial education through the MoneyTips series, designed to help you recognise common financial risks. These videos provide simple, practical guidance that can help you protect your money and your identity.
These short videos explain:
How to recognise scam calls and messages
- How do the hackers scam you? | Season 1 | Episode 1
- What are scam calls? | Season 1 | Episode 2
- How to recognize fake emails? | Season 1 | Episode 3
- How to recognize a fake call? | Season 1 | Episode 5
- That “Official” Call? It Might be a Scam! | Season 2 | Episode 3
- Don’t Get Scammed on Video Calls! | Season 2 | Episode 4
Why you should never share OTP codes
- What are scam calls? | Season 1 | Episode 2
- Don’t Get Scammed on Video Calls! | Season 2 | Episode 4
- That “Official” Call? It Might be a Scam! | Season 2 | Episode 3
- Tips to Protect Your Password | Season 3 | Episode 3
How fake reward offers and phishing messages work
- How do the hackers scam you? | Season 1 | Episode 1
- What are scam calls? | Season 1 | Episode 2
- How to recognize fake emails? | Season 1 | Episode 3
- What is online phishing? | Season 1 | Episode 4
What to do if you receive a suspicious message
- What are scam calls? | Season 1 | Episode 2
- Don’t Get Scammed on Video Calls! | Season 2 | Episode 4
- That “Official” Call? It Might be a Scam! | Season 2 | Episode 3
Scam calls aur messages ko kaise pehchanen
- Online scam se kese bachein? | Season 1| Episode 6
- Video call par dhoka na khao! | Season 2 | Episode 4
- Woh “official” call scam bhi ho sakta hai! | Season 2 | Episode 3
- Apne Paise Online Safe Rakho | Season 3 | Episode 4
Aap ko OTP codes kyun kabhi share nahi karne chahiye
- Video call par dhoka na khao! | Season 2 | Episode 4
- Woh “official” call scam bhi ho sakta hai! | Season 2 | Episode 3
- Apna Password Safe Rakho | Season 3 | Episode 3
Fake reward offers aur phishing messages kaise kaam karte hain
Agar aapko koi suspicious message mile toh kya karna chahiye
myZoi is committed to supporting the financial safety and wellbeing of our users. We will continue to share updates on emerging scams, fraud alerts, and financial safety guidance.
By staying informed and cautious, everyone can help prevent fraud and protect their personal information.
For the latest safety updates, continue to check this page and follow new MoneyTips content.