Dubai Police have warned residents to be cautious of fraudulent advertisements offering work, residency and visit visas in return for money, as scammers increasingly use social media platforms and messaging applications to target potential victims.
The warning was issued by the Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation as part of the force’s ongoing “Be Aware of Fraud” campaign. Authorities said fraudsters frequently rely on the names of unlicensed companies or pretend to represent official government bodies to convince people that they can arrange visas and employment opportunities.
According to Dubai Police, victims are often approached through online advertisements and private messages that promise quick access to jobs or visas. Scammers then demand payments for services that either do not exist or cannot legally be provided.
The Anti-Fraud Centre urged residents to process all visa applications exclusively through the relevant government authorities or licensed service providers. People were also advised to avoid unverified intermediaries who claim they can arrange immigration documents or employment permits for a fee.
Authorities stressed that residents should independently confirm the authenticity of any visa or job offer through official channels before handing over money or personal information. They warned that attractive promises of fast-track visas and employment can be used to gain the trust of victims and persuade them to make payments.
The centre said public awareness and careful verification of service providers remain among the most effective ways to prevent fraud. Residents were encouraged to question offers that appear unusually attractive, particularly those involving promises of visas or jobs through unofficial or illegal channels.
Dubai Police also reminded the public that legitimate visa procedures should be completed through authorised government platforms and approved service providers. Residents should be particularly careful when dealing with advertisements circulated on social media or messaging applications, where the identity of the person or organisation behind an offer may be difficult to confirm.
The warning comes as authorities continue efforts to raise awareness of different forms of online fraud and encourage residents to take greater precautions when dealing with digital services.
Residents who encounter suspected fraud or attempted scams can report incidents through the Dubai Police smart application, the eCrime platform or by calling 901.
Police urged members of the public to report suspicious activity promptly, saying early reporting can help authorities investigate fraudulent operations and protect others from becoming victims. The campaign also seeks to remind residents that verifying the source of an offer before making a payment is a key step in protecting themselves against financial losses and identity-related scams.
