How to avoid online travel scams: Dubai Police shares tips for safe holiday bookings

Dubai: Do you know how to report a travel and tourism scam to the authorities? The Dubai Police recently launched the 'Be Aware of Fraud' campaign, warning residents against falling victim to online scams involving fake travel and tourism offers. These scams become particularly active during summer holidays and vacations, exploiting people’s desire to secure low prices and attractive bookings to international destinations. Here’s what to look out for, and how to report a travel and tourism scam to the Dubai Police. What are travel scams? According to Dubai Police’s eCrime Hub, the authorities’ education and reporting platform for digital threats, travel and holiday scams are underhanded tricks that cybercriminals use to steal your money or personal information when you're booking trips, flights, hotels, or holiday activities online. These scams can look like fake websites, unbelievable travel deals, or even messages claiming you've won a free vacation. They're designed to catch people who are dreaming of a perfect break, when their guard is down. How do the scams occur? The Dubai Police, through the Fraud Prevention Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, confirmed that fraudsters create fake websites or social media accounts to promote travel packages, hotels and airline tickets at prices significantly lower than market rates. These offers are designed to bait victims and pressure them into transferring money quickly, before they realise it’s a fraudulent deal. Through the ‘Be Aware of Fraud’ campaign, the authorities explained that some fraudulent entities use professional logos and images, impersonating well-known tourism companies or licensed travel agencies to enhance their own credibility. The scammers then contact victims through messaging apps or phone calls, urging them to complete their bookings quickly under the pretext of limited availability or offers expiring within hours. Often, victims only discover that the fraud has occurred after transferring money to personal accounts or unverified payment links, or finding that their bookings are fake, or that their travel and hotel tickets are unconfirmed. The usual result is financial losses, stress, and complications affecting travel and family holiday plans. What are the warning signs of a travel scam? According to Dubai Police, these are some of the red flags you should be aware of, when you encounter a potential scam: Deals that seem too good to be true, for instance, luxury hotels or flights at impossible prices, especially during peak travel seasons. Requests for payment through unusual methods, like wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, instead of secure credit card payments. Fake websites or emails pretending to be official travel agencies, airlines, or hotel chains. Watch out for small spelling mistakes, odd website addresses, or low-quality images. Unsolicited messages saying you've won a free holiday or special offer, especially if they ask for your Emirates ID, passport details, or a deposit upfront. Best practices to follow when looking for travel deals Follow these steps, which are guidelines provided by the eCrime Hub, for residents who are looking for travel and tourism offers: Step 1: Use trusted sources Always book through trusted, well-known travel agencies or official airline/hotel websites. Double-check URLs and don't click on links from random emails or social media ads. Step 2: Use secure payment links Pay with secure methods. Use credit cards with fraud protection, never wire money or pay with gift cards for bookings. Step 3: Watch out for urgent messages Be wary of pressure tactics. If someone tells you to act ‘immediately’ or you'll lose the offer, pause and verify their identity. Step 4: Don’t share personal details Never share your Emirates ID, passport copy, or any sensitive details with unknown or unofficial sources. If asked, contact the official channel directly to confirm. Step 5: Report it If you suspect a travel scam or have accidentally shared your information, act quickly. Dubai Police advises the following: Save all evidence: Take screenshots of conversations, save payment receipts, note down websites, or emails. This proof will help you make and strengthen your case when you report the scam. If you shared financial details, immediately inform your bank to block or monitor your accounts. If your Emirates ID or passport details are compromised, notify the relevant authorities through Dubai Police (by calling 901 for non-emergencies) to protect your identity. Most importantly, report the incident to the Dubai Police eCrime Division. Follow these steps to report the travel scam: Visit eCrime.ae or dubaipolice.gov.ae/app/services/ecrime. Log in with your UAE PASS. Select the most accurate category for your complaint. In this case, you would choose ‘travel'. Enter your personal details, including your Emirates ID, location, mobile phone number, and email address. You will then receive an ac