Authorities urge residents to steer clear of suspicious links and keep their banking credentials confidential.
Dubai: Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning to residents about an increase in electronic fraud and financial scams targeting people around salary payment periods. Fraudsters are using fake promotions, misleading offers, and fraudulent websites to steal money and obtain personal information.
Authorities said scammers are taking advantage of the monthly payday period by deploying various deceptive tactics. Residents have been advised to engage only with official and trusted entities, avoid suspicious links, and remain cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
Scams involving fake property advertisements, bogus job opportunities, and fraudulent investment schemes.
Reported scams include fake advertisements for villas, chalets, and other properties, fraudulent residency visa services, fake job opportunities, misleading labour supply offers, unauthorised insurance schemes, and counterfeit listings for vehicles allegedly seized by Abu Dhabi Customs.
Police also cautioned residents about online ads offering vehicle number plates and luxury watches at unrealistically low prices, along with investment scams that falsely promise high returns in financial markets.
Other fraudulent tactics include the sale of fake event tickets, the creation of counterfeit websites and links impersonating government bodies or trusted organisations, attempts to trick victims into installing remote-access software, and requests for advance payments for non-existent products, services, training programmes, or fake certificates.
Never share banking details or OTPs
Abu Dhabi Police reiterated that residents should never disclose their banking information, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs) to anyone, regardless of the person or organisation requesting them.
The force also advised the public not to make payments or deposits before confirming the authenticity of sellers or service providers. Residents were urged to access government services only through official websites and mobile applications, rather than via search engine results or unverified links.
How to report fraud in Abu Dhabi
Residents who come across suspected fraud or suspicious online activity are encouraged to report it through the Aman service by calling 8002626, sending an SMS to 2828, or emailing aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
Police emphasised that timely reporting helps authorities tackle cybercrime, prevent further offences, and protect community members from potential financial losses.
