(Credit - Abu Dhabi Police)
Abu Dhabi Police on Fake Holiday Rental Accounts
In June 2026 Abu Dhabi Police warned residents and tourists about fraudsters advertising chalets, holiday homes and desert camps at prices well below market rates. The offers spread through fake social media accounts, unverified platforms, fraudulent websites and fabricated text messages. For the Dubai case and the full red-flag list, see our guide to fake holiday rental listings in the UAE.
The tactics police describe
- Listings with copied photos and unusually low prices.
- Urgency, so you pay before you have time to check.
- Requests for an advance payment, deposit or insurance fee.
- Contact by direct message, away from a verified booking platform.
- After payment, the scammer cuts off contact and disappears.
What police advise
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Verify the offer and the booking platform before any transfer | Pay unknown individuals or entities |
| Use authorised booking channels | Pay a deposit before you have seen and verified the property |
| Check who runs the account and how long it has existed | Trust an account only because it has many followers or comments |
How to report
Abu Dhabi Police point to the Aman service, the force’s smart application and its dedicated reporting platforms. Use only these official channels, and keep screenshots, the account name and any payment receipt. If you have already sent money, tell your bank straight away.
The same checks apply to any short-term rental offer. See also how to spot impersonation scams.
Related guides
- Fake Insurance and Gold Deal Ads in Dubai: Red Flags and What to Do
- Fake Supplier Bank Detail Emails: How UAE Finance Teams Can Avoid Payment Fraud
- Reversing After Missing an Exit in the UAE: Fines, Black Points and What to Do
- Keep Impounded Car at Home: UAE Smart Impound Guide
- Flat Tyre on a UAE Road: What Abu Dhabi Police Say to Do
