Dubai Police warn public against scams involving fake phone calls and SMS

As part of their "Be Aware of Fraud" awareness campaign, the Dubai Police alerted the public to the rising risks of sophisticated online fraud techniques designed to trap unsuspecting victims. These schemes often involve phone calls and text messages (SMS) where fraudsters pose as representatives of official organisations or banking institutions, aiming to mislead individuals and steal their money.

The Dubai Police emphasised that these criminals typically impersonate employees of reputable entities or banks to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive personal or financial information. This allows them to gain access to financial accounts or pressure individuals into making immediate money transfers based on fabricated claims.

Dubai Police General Command has reiterated that official organisations in the UAE do not ask individuals to share sensitive information, such as bank account details, passwords, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs), through phone calls or text messages. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and to avoid responding to any suspicious requests, no matter how persuasive or appealing they may seem.

The authorities highlighted that fraudsters often rely on tactics of urgency and intimidation. These scammers may pose as representatives of government entities or banks, pressuring victims to act quickly to resolve alleged legal or financial issues while requesting personal details like PINs or OTPs. It is vital to exercise caution and avoid sharing confidential information under any circumstances. If approached with such requests, individuals are encouraged to directly contact the actual organization being impersonated to verify the legitimacy of the claims.

Dubai Police have called on the community to follow key safety guidelines to protect themselves and others. These include refraining from sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources, avoiding unknown links or downloads from unofficial platforms, confirming the authenticity of callers or senders before taking any action, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication for online accounts, and promptly reporting any suspicious activity through official channels to help combat crimes and safeguard society from their harmful impacts.

Additionally, Dubai Police urged residents to report any instances of fraud or extortion immediately.

Reports can be filed through the e-Crime platform, by calling 901, or via the "Police Eye" service available in the Dubai Police smart app or on their official website.