DUBAI — Dubai Police have arrested a man accused of running a rental scam targeting prospective tenants through fake online property listings, the latest case in the emirate’s ongoing battle against digital fraud.
The arrest is part of the force’s wider “Be Aware of Fraud” campaign, aimed at combating cybercrime and raising public awareness of common scam tactics.
According to the Anti-Fraud Center within the General Department of Criminal Investigation, the suspect posed as a landlord and posted fraudulent apartment rental advertisements on popular online platforms. Lured by attractive prices, victims were convinced to transfer upfront deposits to secure non-existent properties. Once the payment was received, the scammer disappeared without a trace.
“This constitutes cyber fraud and is a serious criminal offense under UAE law,” a Dubai Police spokesperson said, adding that the case is being handled with “utmost urgency.”
Authorities Warn Against Unverified Payments
Dubai Police are urging residents to exercise caution when searching for rental properties online. Individuals are advised not to transfer money unless they have verified the landlord’s identity, confirmed property ownership, and completed all agreements through official, authorized channels.
“Public awareness is a critical line of defense,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage anyone who comes across suspicious listings or encounters fraud attempts to report them immediately.”
Reports can be filed via the Dubai Police app or by calling 901, the non-emergency police hotline.
Surge in Digital Scams Prompts Public Education Push
The incident comes amid a broader regional rise in online fraud, with fake property listings, job ads, and vacation deals increasingly used to dupe consumers.
Authorities in Sharjah and across the UAE have recently reported similar patterns of cybercrime, while financial institutions and tech companies continue to warn of scams involving digital payments and social media platforms.
A recent survey by Visa indicated that nearly half of UAE consumers have fallen victim to digital payment fraud at some point.
Ongoing Campaign Targets Online Fraud
Dubai Police launched the “Be Aware of Fraud” campaign to arm the public with information on how to recognize and avoid online scams. The initiative includes video explainers, social media advisories, and real-world case studies—such as a widely viewed cautionary video of a UAE engineer who lost Dh42,000 in a WhatsApp scam.
Officials reiterated their commitment to tackling cybercrime through prevention, enforcement, and community engagement.
“This arrest sends a clear message,” the police statement said. “Cybercriminals will be tracked, caught, and prosecuted. But the best protection remains an informed and cautious public.”
