A Dubai Police patrol car in Downtown Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Dubai Police has apprehended a fake agent who scammed multiple individuals by posting fraudulent rental listings on websites and social media platforms, authorities confirmed. The scammer enticed victims with unusually low rent offers and requested upfront payments to "secure" apartments. Police did not release details about the suspect’s identity or nationality but said that after receiving the deposits, the suspect would cut off all communication and vanish without delivering any services. Police classified the act as cyber fraud, a criminal offense under UAE law. They warned that as the UAE’s digital payments market grows—projected to reach $80.37 billion by 2025—so does the risk of online fraud, especially during high-spending seasons. Authorities urged the public to verify property ownership and landlord identities before making any payments. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious advertisements via the Dubai Police app or by calling 901. This case mirrors a broader trend. In Abu Dhabi, authorities warned against similar scams where fraudsters used fake property photos and low prices to trap victims. Ajman Police also issued recent warnings about rising scams involving fake job and rental ads, which can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and hacked accounts. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page