Dubai Police warn against scanning unknown QR codes

The General Command of Dubai Police have warned community members about the dangers of interacting with unknown "QR" codes without verifying their source, adding that this may expose users to electronic fraud and the theft of their personal and financial data.

This comes as part of Dubai Police's continuous efforts to enhance community awareness to educate the public about the latest fraudulent methods exploited by scammers to trap victims, including the use of fake Quick Response codes, which are spread via text messages, email, or even in public places.

Police explained that some fraudsters resort to designing Quick Response codes to appear reliable, bearing attractive titles, such as winning prizes, getting discounts, or "see the latest offers." When scanned, the user is directed to fake websites that request personal data or banking information, which makes him a victim of fraudsters who can hack their phone and steal data, and may seize their personal and financial accounts. Th

e police also emphasised the necessity of not giving any personal or professional information via unconfirmed links, stressing the importance of verifying the sender before interacting with any digital content, especially if it includes unusual offers or requests, affirming that individual awareness is the first line of defence against cybercrimes.

In this regard, Dubai Police called on community members to immediately report any suspicious messages, links, or Quick Response codes through official channels, including the "eCrime" platform or via the dedicated email for receiving reports, or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases, emphasising that community cooperation is an essential element in eliminating these crimes.