Dubai & UAE Scams: Online, Job & Property Fraud Guide
Common scams in the UAE and how to report them via the eCrime platform and Dubai Police.
Emergency number: 999 (police), 901 (Dubai Police non-emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The UAE's status as a business and expat hub brings job offer scams, rental and property fraud, fake investment schemes, and online shopping scams. This guide covers the main threats and how to report through the UAE eCrime platform and Dubai Police.
Common scams
- Fake job offer and recruitment scams
- Rental and property deposit scams
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online shopping non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial taxi overcharging
- Fake tour and desert-safari operators
Online shopping scams
- Delivery and bank smishing
- Marketplace and rental scams
- Phishing
Job scams
- Fake recruiters offering UAE jobs requiring upfront fees or visa payments
- Task scams via messaging apps
Romance scams
- Dating-app grooming and crypto investment scams
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms
- Property and 'guaranteed return' schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank's hotline immediately
- Report cybercrime via the UAE eCrime platform (ecrime.ae) or Dubai Police eCrime
- Contact consumer protection for purchase disputes
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your UAE bank's official hotline immediately. Be cautious of job and rental offers requiring upfront 'visa', 'deposit', or 'processing' payments by transfer.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Are UAE job offers requiring upfront fees legitimate?
Generally no. Legitimate employers and recruiters don't require you to pay upfront for visas, processing, or 'guarantees'. Verify the employer and use official recruitment channels.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance