Online Scams & Fraud in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Online scams and fraud are a significant concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a substantial number of consumers falling victim to fraudulent activities. According to reports, four in ten UAE consumers have experienced online fraud attempts, highlighting the prevalence of this issue. Online scams can take various forms, including phishing emails, fraudulent websites, fake online marketplaces, investment scams, and identity theft.
Online scammers use tricky methods to fool people and get their personal information, like bank details, or even steal their money. That's why it's really important for people living in the UAE to be careful and watch out for common scams.
Read on and learn where you can report scams in the UAE, where to get victim support, and some of the popular scams in the UAE.
Scam Statistics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The key statistics on online fraud in The United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance.
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Population | 9.6 million | 9.77million | 9.8 Million | 9.9 million |
| Internet Penetration | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| # of Scams | 1 Million | 1740 | ||
| Scams / 1,000 | 102.3 | 0.17 | ||
| Money Lost | € 1 billion | € 21.95 million | ||
| Money Lost / Capita | € 102 | € 2.2 | ||
| Money Lost / Report | € 1,000 | € 12,614.37 |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Where Can I Report a Scam in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
- UAE Ministry of Interior - Cyber Crime Department: The UAE Ministry of Interior has a Cyber Crime Department that handles online crimes, including scams.
- Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA): The TRA in the UAE may also be involved in handling online scams, especially those related to telecommunications and information technology.
- The Police - Contact the local police to report the scam. You can reach them through email (aman@adpolice.gov.ae) or through the Police smartphone app.
- Abu Dhabi Police- You can report any cybercrime to the Abu Dhabi police through SMS to 2828 or call 8002626 or through their online portal.
- Dubai Police- If you are in Dubai, you can reach out to the Dubai Police at 04 606 1600.
How to Report a Scam in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.
- Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
- Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
- Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
- Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.
Scam Victim Support in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
We are unaware of any scam victim support in The United Arab Emirates (UAE). You can consult with a local licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist who specializes in trauma or Crime victims.
How to check for a scam in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services.
- Dubai Financial Services Authority- As the regulatory authority for the Dubai financial markets, you can check here for financial and investment scams.
- Consumer Protection Department- Usually operates under the Ministry of Economy, consumers can check for commercial fraud here.
Popular Scams in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Impersonation Scams
Impersonation scams in the UAE involve receiving a call from an unknown number, with the caller claiming to be a government officer. These scammers often impersonate government officials and exploit people's trust in authorities. They may falsely accuse individuals of violating specific laws and use fear tactics to pressure them into disclosing personal bank details or making financial transactions.
It's important to remember that legitimate government authorities would never request sensitive personal information like bank details over the phone. If you receive such a call, it is crucial to exercise caution, hang up immediately, and report the incident to the relevant authorities to protect yourself and others from falling victim to these impersonation scams.
Scam News From the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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