DUBAI, UAE – Dubai Police have issued a public warning about a new wave of fraudulent activity, where scammers are exploiting the current regional situation to deceive residents and steal sensitive personal information.
In an official statement, authorities revealed they have detected attempts by fraudsters to impersonate employees from a non-existent “Dubai Crisis Management” department. These criminals falsely claim affiliations with Dubai Police to gain the trust of their victims.
How the Scam Works
The primary goal of these fraudulent calls and messages is to unlawfully obtain sensitive data from residents. Scammers are specifically requesting information such as UAE Pass credentials and Emirates ID details.
Dubai Police have cautioned that disclosing this information can lead to serious financial crimes. Criminals can use the stolen data to perform “SIM swap” operations, where they gain control of a victim’s phone number. Once they control the phone number, they can intercept verification codes and gain unauthorized access to bank accounts through mobile banking applications, potentially draining funds.
How to Protect Yourself
Dubai Police have reaffirmed their standard security protocols, reminding the public of critical safety measures:
- Never Share Confidential Information: Dubai Police and other official entities will never request confidential information like passwords, PINs, or verification codes via telephone calls or text messages under any circumstances.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls: Treat any unsolicited call asking for personal or financial details with extreme caution. Do not share any information.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Members of the public are strongly urged to report any suspected fraudulent activity immediately.
Reporting Channels
If you receive a suspicious call or message, you can report it through the following official channels:
- Call 901 for non-emergency inquiries and to report fraud.
- Use the eCrime platform, a dedicated online portal for reporting cybercrime.
By remaining vigilant and following official guidance, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to these opportunistic scams. Always verify the identity of anyone requesting your personal information and use official channels to report any concerns.