Updated on October 11, 2026
Dubai Police has warned residents about fraudulent messages that pose as official entities, pressing people to click a link or enter personal data. Its advice is short: do not click, do not share, and rely on verified official channels only. This guide explains the pattern and what to do.
- Do not click links in unexpected messages that claim to be from an authority.
- Do not forward them. Sharing helps the scam spread.
- Check through an official website, app or phone number you look up yourself.
Warning signs
| Sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pressure to act fast | Urgency stops you checking. Threats of fines, blocked accounts or cancelled services are common hooks |
| A link to “update” or “confirm” details | The page copies a real site to collect your information |
| A request for passwords, one-time passcodes or ID details | Genuine banks and authorities do not ask you to share these by message |
| Shortened or odd web addresses | They hide where the link really goes |
| A request to forward the message | Scammers rely on people passing it on |
How to check a message
- Do not use the link or number in the message.
- Open the organisation’s official app, or type its website address yourself.
- Look for the same notice there. If nothing is waiting for you, the message was fake.
- If still unsure, call the organisation on a number from its official site.
If you already clicked or replied
- Stop and enter nothing more.
- If you gave card or bank details, call your bank at once on the number printed on your card, and ask it to block the card or account.
- Change any password you entered, here and anywhere you reuse it.
- Report the attempt to Dubai Police through its official channels.
Scam messages often use the same tricks as fake videos and false news. See our guides to checking AI-generated clips and verifying news before you share it.
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