UAE job scams: seven red flags and how to report them
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and Abu Dhabi Police have warned that scammers target jobseekers with fake offers, aiming to collect money or personal information. They often copy real company names, logos and branding to look genuine.
Seven red flags
- A request to pay money to secure a job.
- A salary that looks unusually high for the role.
- Pressure to pay or share details immediately.
- Emails that do not come from the company’s official domain.
- Interviews held only on informal messaging apps.
- Requests for bank details, passwords or verification codes.
- A refusal to provide an official job offer that you can verify independently.
What each red flag looks like, and the safe check
| Red flag | How it usually shows up | Safe check |
|---|---|---|
| Payment to secure the job | “Registration”, “processing” or “visa” fee | Refuse. Employers cannot charge workers recruitment costs |
| Unusually high salary | Pay far above the market for the role, little experience asked | Compare with similar roles on the company’s own careers page |
| Pressure to act now | “Offer expires today” | A genuine employer lets you verify first |
| Unofficial email domain | Free webmail address or a lookalike company name | Match the domain to the company’s official website |
| Chat-only interview | Interview and offer all on a messaging app | Ask for a call or video with a named person you can confirm |
| Asks for passwords or codes | “Verification” of your bank or email | Never share them with anyone |
| No verifiable offer | No official offer form, or no serial number | Check the serial number and barcode with MOHRE |
What scammers ask for
Scammers may request passport copies, Emirates ID details, banking information, card details, passwords or verification codes. This data can be used for further fraud or identity theft, so do not hand it to an unknown recruiter. Under UAE labour law, employers cannot charge workers recruitment and employment costs, directly or indirectly.
If you spot a suspicious offer
- Contact the company using the details on its official website, not the ones the recruiter gave you.
- Check the company’s official careers page.
- Verify the offer with MOHRE before sharing sensitive information. Official offers carry a serial number and barcode that can be checked through the ministry’s website, smart app or call centre on 600 590000.
- Keep copies of the advertisement, messages, email addresses and phone numbers used.
Where to report
Report the offer to MOHRE. In Abu Dhabi you can also report suspicious activity to Abu Dhabi Police through the Aman service on 800 2626.
For the step-by-step offer check, read how to verify a MOHRE job offer. If a recruiter has already asked for money, see upfront fee scams, which also covers what to do if you have already paid. Looking for work legally in person? Read about the Dubai job exploration visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is a job offer on WhatsApp always a scam?
Not always, but chat-only interviews are a red flag. Verify the company and the offer through official channels before you share documents or pay anything.
Can I check an offer before I sign?
Yes. A genuine UAE offer carries a serial number and barcode that MOHRE can confirm.
