Abu Dhabi Police Warn of Surge in Online Scams

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning over a wave of increasingly sophisticated scams targeting residents through fake auctions, fraudulent investment platforms, and deceptive online offers.

According to Abu Dhabi Police, scammers are using social media platforms to advertise high-end watches at seemingly discounted prices. Victims, lured by the appearance of legitimacy, transfer money and receive counterfeit goods. Only upon closer inspection do they realize they have been duped.

Another tactic involves fake online trading platforms. Fraudsters publish professional-looking ads, often featuring well-known public figures or fake endorsements, to build credibility. These platforms show fake profit increases to convince victims to deposit more funds. When individuals attempt to withdraw their money, they find themselves locked out with no access to their funds.

Police have also highlighted an uptick in fraud schemes involving fake websites posing as legitimate insurance companies, restaurants, or retailers. These sites promise exclusive deals and promotions, but once credit card details are submitted, victims find unauthorized charges and balances drained.

Vehicle and property number sales are also being used as bait, with scammers requesting deposits for assets that either don’t exist or hold no real value. 

In a troubling trend, job seekers are being targeted through fake recruitment sites and social media pages designed to mimic those of real companies. Scammers pose as hiring managers and demand application fees or payments for bogus job opportunities, often timed around major events or official activities to appear more credible.

The public is being urged to remain vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive information such as bank account details, ATM PINs, online banking passwords, or credit card security codes. Police stressed that legitimate bank representatives will never request such information.

Residents who receive suspicious calls, messages, or links are encouraged to report them immediately to the Aman Service by calling 8002626 or sending a text to 2828.