Online Scams in UAE and Saudi Arabia: How to Spot Them and Where to Report

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Online scams are a growing problem in Dubai, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Fraudsters pretend to be banks, police, delivery companies or employers to steal money and personal data. The good news: most scams follow the same patterns, and once you know them, they are easy to spot. Here is how to protect yourself and where to report fraud.

Most Common Scams

1. Fake Bank or “Card Blocked” Calls

Someone calls saying your bank card or account is blocked and asks you to “verify” by sharing your card number or the OTP sent to your phone. Banks never ask for your OTP or PIN.

2. Fake Government Messages

Messages claiming to be from police, traffic departments or immigration ask you to pay a fine or update your Emirates ID or Iqama through a link. Always use official apps such as MOI UAE, Dubai Police, Absher or Tawakkalna instead of links in SMS.

3. Delivery SMS Scams

“Your parcel is on hold – pay a small fee” messages with a link to a fake payment page. Check deliveries only in the official courier or shop app.

4. Fake Job Offers

Offers of high salaries in Dubai or Riyadh that ask for “visa fees” or “processing fees” upfront. Real employers do not ask candidates to pay for job offers. See our guide to tech jobs in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

5. Investment and Crypto Scams

Social media ads promising guaranteed daily profits. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

6. Marketplace Scams

Fake sellers on marketplaces like Dubizzle or Haraj ask for advance payment and disappear. Meet in public and inspect items first – read our used iPhone checklist.

7. WhatsApp Account Takeover

Someone sends a code by SMS and asks you to forward it “by mistake”. This code is your WhatsApp verification code – never share it.

8. Fake Invoice and Remote Access Emails

Emails with fake invoices that ask you to call a number or install remote-access software. Never let strangers access your computer.

Golden Rules

How to Report Scams in the UAE

• MOI UAE app – go to Services, then Police services, then eCrime services (UAE PASS needed).
• Dubai Police – the eCrime service on the Dubai Police website or app.
• Abu Dhabi Police – the Aman service.
• My Safe Society app by the UAE Public Prosecution – you can attach photos, videos and links.
• Contact your bank immediately to block cards and dispute transactions.

How to Report Scams in Saudi Arabia

• Contact your bank immediately through its official number or app to block your card and report fraud.
• Report to the authorities through official channels such as the Kollona Amn app or the police.
• Report fake accounts and messages on the platform where you received them.

What to Do If You Were Scammed

1. Call your bank right away – speed matters.
2. Change passwords for email, banking and social accounts.
3. Report the scam through official channels listed above.
4. Keep screenshots, numbers and transaction details as evidence.
5. Warn family and friends if your WhatsApp or social media was hacked.

FAQs

Will my bank ever ask for my OTP?

No. Banks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia never ask customers for OTPs or PINs.

How do I report a scam in Dubai?

Use the Dubai Police eCrime service, the MOI UAE app or My Safe Society.

Is it safe to click links in SMS from “government” numbers?

Be careful – scammers can fake sender names. Use official apps instead.