Caution in Dubai: Special Attention Required for Social Media Advertised Discounts on Fines and Service Charges - Expert Advice Issued
In the bustling cityscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), residents are being warned to stay vigilant against a growing number of government service scams. These fraudulent activities, which target areas such as traffic fines, visa renewals, utility bill payments, Emirates ID services, and other civic processes, are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Residents are often contacted through popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram, offering to "help" navigate red tape or clear penalties, often for a fee and without receipts. These scams rely heavily on the appearance of legitimacy, using trust and urgency to manipulate behavior.
Common tactics used by these scammers include the use of fake official logos and urgent messaging, claims of insider contacts or expedited services, social media and unauthorized online ads, demand for high fees without receipts or legal documentation, use of vague company names and unlicensed offices, and exploitation of official channels confusion.
Authorities warn that no legitimate government service, including payment of traffic fines, visa renewal, utility bills, or Emirates ID issuance, will be handled via personal social media accounts or offer ‘fast track’ solutions outside official platforms such as government websites, smart apps, and authorized typing centers.
Key red flags for these scams include spelling mistakes, ambiguous company information, suspicious payment requests, pressure tactics, and using unofficial communication channels rather than the official government platforms. To avoid falling victim, residents are advised to only use official government websites, smart applications, and authorized service providers for all government-related services and to report suspicious approaches immediately.
Cybersecurity consultants like Sahar Al Shamsi and Omar Qaddour have been monitoring these trends, with Qaddour observing an increase in scams using official-looking logos, urgent messaging, and private channels like WhatsApp or Instagram. Al Shamsi emphasises that trusting such unofficial methods can lead to significant risks.
Leila Mansoor, a digital risk advisor, warns residents to be cautious of unofficial offers related to government services, especially those circulating through social media and messaging apps. Part of the problem is the lack of public awareness around how official transactions are actually handled.
Scammers are capitalizing on this lack of awareness, luring victims by claiming they can reduce fines through unofficial channels. In some cases, scammers are offering fake discounts of up to 70% on traffic fines in Dubai. They use stolen credit cards to pay off victims' fines in full, then demand half the fine amount in cash as their fee.
If a fine is paid using stolen card data, it may be reversed later, leaving the resident exposed and possibly liable. Sahar Al Shamsi warns about overlooking small red flags like spelling errors, vague company names, no receipts, and pressure to pay immediately.
Residents are advised to rely only on official portals like UAE PASS, ministry apps, or verified websites for any payments or updates. If someone claims they'll handle a government service for cash or through a backdoor, it's recommended to report it. The biggest red flag, according to Sahar Al Shamsi, is the channel. If someone is offering a government service on Telegram or through a personal account, it's a sign to stop.
Stay safe and stay informed. Always verify before you pay.
- Cybersecurity consultants have warned about an increase in government service scams in the UAE, with scammers using official-looking logos, urgent messaging, and private channels like WhatsApp or Instagram to lure victims.
- Residents are often contacted through these platforms, offering to "help" navigate red tape or clear penalties for a fee without receipts, often relying on the appearance of legitimacy, using trust and urgency to manipulate behavior.
- Authorities urge residents to only use official government websites, smart applications, and authorized service providers for all government-related services, and to report suspicious approaches immediately to avoid falling victim to these scams.
