Dubai Police have arrested a fake agent who was posting fraudulent apartment rental listings on websites and social media platforms, luring victims with unusually low prices.
According to authorities, the scammer targeted individuals searching for rental properties by requesting upfront payments or deposits to secure a booking. Once the money was transferred, the suspect would cut all contact and vanish — delivering no property or services in return.
Dubai Police emphasised that such acts constitute cyber fraud, a criminal offense under UAE law.
Public urged to stay vigilant
Authorities have called on the public to exercise caution when dealing with online rental listings to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
They urged residents not to transfer any funds before verifying the identity of the landlord and confirming the legitimacy of the property through approved legal channels.
The authorities also encouraged community members to report any suspicious advertisements or fraud attempts via the Dubai Police app or by calling 901, stressing that public awareness and cooperation remain key to preventing such crimes.
Rental scams on the rise across UAE
Rental fraud is emerging as a nationwide concern in the UAE. A July 8, 2024 warning by Abu Dhabi authorities highlighted the growing use of fake property listings on social media, where scammers lure victims with attractive rents for non-existent or misrepresented properties. Victims often discover the fraud only after paying a deposit.
Abu Dhabi Police urge the public to work only with registered rental agencies and avoid deals offering unusually low rents, which are often scams.
Online scams beyond rentals
Ajman Police issued a similar alert on June 25, warning of a rise in online fraud through fake job and rental ads. These scams also include phishing links, bogus promotions, and impersonation of banks or government bodies. Authorities stressed that such fraud can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and account hacking.
Guidelines from Dubai Land Department
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has reinforced the need to deal only with licensed agents and officially listed properties. DLD advises:
- Use RERA-certified agents
- Verify developer credentials and project approvals
- Know the rules on foreign ownership zones
- Use official platforms like Dubai REST
- Align investment strategies with updated real estate laws
These steps help safeguard buyers and renters from falling prey to scams.
Source: Khaleej Times
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
