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Avoiding Scams & Fraud

Financial scams are increasing in sophistication. Understand how to protect yourself, your identity, and your finances.

Identity Theft Basics

  • →Never share your Emirates ID details over phone or WhatsApp
  • →Scammers often pose as government officials or bank staff
  • →Immediately report any suspected identity theft through the official channels of the relevant authorities in your emirate.

How to Prevent Fraud

  • →Delete messages asking for OTPs or bank PINs — legitimate banks never ask
  • →Use UAE PASS for verified, secure digital identity
  • →Enable transaction alerts on all your UAE bank accounts

High Risk Groups

  • →New residents unfamiliar with local processes are common targets
  • →Job seekers are frequently targeted with fake employment offers
  • →Seniors and first-time investors face elevated scam risk

Protection Whilst Traveling

  • →Notify your UAE bank before travelling to avoid card blocks
  • →Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or financial apps
  • →Keep a digital copy of your Emirates ID stored securely

Tools to Protect Identity

  • →Use the Etihad Credit Bureau to monitor your credit report
  • →Enable biometric login on your UAE banking apps
  • →Stay informed about alerts and warnings issued by official authorities on the latest fraud schemes.

How to Report a Cybercrime in the UAE

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, cybercrime is a criminal offence — act fast.

Evidence Disappears Fast

Scammers delete accounts and websites go offline within hours. Screenshot everything immediately.

Banks Need 24–48 hrs

The UAE Central Bank can freeze accounts and reverse transactions — but only if notified promptly.

Protect Others

Your report helps authorities identify patterns and prevent future victims from the same scammer.

Step-by-Step Reporting Guide

01

Stop All Communication

Immediately cease contact with the suspect. Do not respond to any messages, emails, or calls.

02

Preserve All Evidence

Screenshot messages, emails, transactions, and web pages with visible timestamps. Video evidence is even stronger.

03

Lock Down Your Accounts

Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and call your bank if any financial accounts are involved.

04

Collect Documents

Gather your Emirates ID, bank statements showing fraudulent transactions, and all digital evidence in one folder.

05

Choose Your Reporting Channel

Dubai incidents: use eCrime.ae portal. Cross-emirate crimes: use the federal MOI service or local police station.

06

File a Thorough Report

Provide exact dates, times, and a detailed incident description. Specify your desired outcome and attach all evidence.

07

Get Your Reference Number

Save your case reference number and confirmation email for tracking and all future communications.

08

Follow Up Proactively

Check case status regularly and respond quickly to any investigator requests.

Official Reporting Channels

Federal

MOI Smart Services

Federal Ministry of Interior — cybercrime reporting for all emirates

 Digital

TDRA

Telecom & Digital Regulatory Authority — digital & online violations

 Finance

UAE Central Bank

Report unauthorized banking transactions and financial fraud

What Counts as Cybercrime?

Online Scams Investment Fraud WhatsApp Fraud Identity Theft Hacking Crypto Scams Cyber Blackmail Business Email Compromise Fake News / Rumours Social Media Harassment Data Breaches Online Defamation

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, all of the above are criminal offences carrying fines of up to AED 3,000,000 and potential imprisonment.