SECURITYFake Official Calls and Messages in the UAE: How to Spot and Report Them

Fake Official Calls and Messages: What Dubai Police Want You to Do

Dubai Police warn that scammers phone and text residents while pretending to be a government body or a bank. They create fear and urgency, such as “your account will be blocked” or “a fine must be paid now”, to get you to share details or move money.

Never share

• One-time passwords (OTPs) and verification codes
• PINs and passwords
• Bank account or card details and other personal identification details

Dubai Police say no legitimate organisation in the UAE will ask for this over the phone or by SMS, and caller ID can be spoofed, so a familiar name on screen proves nothing.

What to do

1. Pause and do not act on the request.
2. Verify by contacting the organisation yourself through its official website or app.
3. Do not tap links in unexpected messages or install apps they push. See our guide on unverified apps.
4. If you shared banking details, call your bank straight away.
5. Save screenshots, call logs and messages for the investigation.

Where to report

• Call 901.
• Use the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app or website.
• Use the eCrime platform.

Dubai Police ask people to report attempts even when they did not fall for them. For other scam types, see fake insurance and gold deals and travel booking scams.