As cyber fraud cases rise across the UAE, authorities have intensified action. Police in Abu Dhabi recently arrested a scammer involved in a phishing operation disguised as a government service. The arrest formed part of the wider Abu Dhabi cybercrime warning campaign.
Police confirmed the scammer tricked a victim into clicking a fake link. The fraudster then stole money by imitating an official process. As that case concluded, the Cybercrime Division issued new warnings about five social media scams currently targeting the public.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Faris Al Nuaimi, Head of the Cybercrime Division, explained the evolving tactics on the “Security and Safety” radio show. He highlighted a growing threat from fake ads on social platforms. These scams use attractive prices to lure victims into making rushed decisions.
“Scammers list holiday chalets or luxury cars at prices that are too good to be true,” Al Nuaimi said. “Victims believe the offer is genuine and lose money instantly.”
The most common scams include rental offers for chalets, villas, and apartments. Other fraudulent posts offer animal feed, livestock, majlis furniture, vehicles, and even domestic worker services. All use deeply discounted prices to bait potential victims.
“Fraudsters create a sense of urgency using visuals and unrealistic discounts,” Al Nuaimi noted. “These prices don’t reflect market reality.”
Through the Abu Dhabi cybercrime warning campaign, authorities are urging residents to think before clicking. They recommend verifying sellers through official channels and avoiding payments to unknown parties.
This wave of scams affects all age groups and nationalities. Cybercriminals adapt quickly, so public awareness remains crucial.
The Abu Dhabi cybercrime warning serves as a clear reminder: if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Residents must remain alert as online fraud tactics evolve daily.