DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai Police have warned residents to watch out for fake advertisements offering work, residency and visit visas in return for payment, saying scammers are increasingly using social media and messaging apps to reach victims.
The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters often use the names of unlicensed companies or pretend to represent official bodies in order to win trust and collect money for bogus visa services.
As part of its Be Aware of Fraud campaign, the center urged people to handle all visa applications only through official government channels or licensed service providers.
It also told residents to avoid middlemen or other unverified contacts and to confirm the legitimacy of any offer before sending money.
Police said checking the source of a service is one of the most effective ways to avoid fraud. They warned residents not to believe promises of easy visas or jobs obtained through illegal means.
Anyone who suspects fraud can report it through the Dubai Police smart app, the eCrime platform or by calling 901.
The warning comes as online scams continue to evolve, especially around services that are in high demand among UAE residents and job seekers. Authorities are expected to keep stepping up public awareness efforts as part of their anti-fraud drive.
