Stay safe: Dubai Police caution against unverified mobile apps
In Dubai, the e‑Crimes and Cybersecurity Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation has sounded an alarm about apps that aren’t vetted by official stores. The warning comes after a video showed how fraudsters disguise malicious software as banking, investment, delivery or security‑update apps, then wait for a click.
Residents risk losing personal data and money if they install unverified apps
The department says the first line of defence is simply refusing to download anything outside the Apple App Store or Google Play. By sticking to those authorised platforms, users avoid the hidden code that lets thieves slip into phones unnoticed.
Equally important, police stress that no one should ever hand over passwords, PINs or one‑time codes, even to friends or family who claim they need them for a “quick fix.” Sharing that information gives fraudsters a direct backdoor to banking apps and other sensitive services.
To add another layer of protection, the force recommends installing trusted security software and turning on banking alerts that flag unusual transactions. If anything looks off, residents can file a report through the Dubai Police smart app, dial 901, or submit a case on the eCrime platform.
The warning fits into Dubai Police’s wider push to curb cybercrime across the emirate, reinforcing a city‑wide effort to keep digital life safe for everyone.
