Dubai Police warns against summer holiday scams, fake travel discount offers

Dubai Police has warned community members against falling victim to electronic fraud linked to fake offers for renting chalets and holiday homes promoted on social media platforms and various websites. Officials confirmed that scammers are trying to exploit residents' search for summer holidays offers and discounted deals to reduce travel costs, by posting attractive advertisements at prices lower than market rates and making fraudulent offers. This warning came as part of the ongoing ‘Be Aware of Fraud’ awareness campaign after a man filed a complaint with Dubai Police stating he had fallen victim to a scammer who lured them an advertisement on a social media platform featuring an attractive offer for a chalet in an area of Dubai. When he contacted the advertiser, he was asked to transfer a deposit and an insurance fee that would later be refunded. After the victim transferred AED 8,000, the scammer switched off his contact number, and the victim could no longer reach him. Dubai Police explained that several similar reports have been received using the same fraudulent method. They indicated that scammers use professional photos of chalets or holiday homes and copy details from genuine advertisements, then repost them at reduced prices to lure victims. “After the victim expresses interest in renting the property, the scammer asks for a transfer of money as a booking deposit, documentation fee, or insurance before viewing the property or signing any official contracts. However, the victim later discovers—after making the transfer—that the advertised property does not exist at all, or that the advertisement belongs to a real property whose owner has no connection to the scammer, and that the perpetrator can no longer be contacted as he has shut down his communication channels or deleted the accounts used in the fraud,” the Force added. Dubai Police confirmed that an excessively low rental price compared to the property's standard and location is one of the key warning signs to watch out for. The Force noted that scammers rely on the element of attraction and pressuring the victim to make a quick decision without verifying the information or checking with the relevant authorities. Officials urged community members not to transfer any money before visiting and inspecting the property in person and confirming its actual existence, or verifying the entity they are dealing with if renting a property in another country. They should also verify the identity of the landlord or the real estate company and their legal ownership of the property, ensure the validity of contracts and documents provided, and not rely solely on photos or electronic conversations. Dubai Police stressed the importance of verifying the property owner's identity and the documents proving ownership, completing all procedures through recognised official channels, and not responding to the pressure exerted by some scammers to force victims into making quick transfers under the pretext of high demand for the property or that the offer is about to expire . Officials emphasised the need to avoid transferring money to personal or unknown accounts, and to report fraud or suspicious websites through official channels, including the e-Crime platform or by calling 901 for non‑emergency cases.