Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Customs have issued a joint urgent warning regarding a surge in fraudulent social media accounts and digital platforms designed to deceive the public. Authorities have identified an increase in sophisticated cybercriminal activity where scammers impersonate official entities or legitimate businesses to steal personal data and financial information. This latest alert is part of a strategic priority to enhance proactive security and combat the rising threat of cybercrime in the UAE’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Key Development
The warning, issued in late April 2026, highlights the use of fabricated text messages and deceptive social media advertisements that lure victims with “too good to be true” offers. Scammers are reportedly using high-quality visuals and attractive pricing to appear credible across various popular digital channels.
According to Abu Dhabi Police, the current wave of scams includes:
- Fake Event Tickets: Promoting fraudulent seasonal concert and event tickets.
- Bogus Government Services: Offering fake residency visa services and domestic worker recruitment.
- Customs Scams: Advertising vehicles falsely claimed to have been seized by Abu Dhabi Customs at unrealistically low prices.
- Logistics Fraud: Requesting personal information under the pretext of parcel tracking or delivery updates.
- Illegal Investments: Luring individuals into non-existent real estate deals or high-return financial schemes.
Why It Matters
As the UAE continues its digital transformation, the complexity of phishing and electronic fraud has increased. Authorities noted that reports of electronic fraud increased by over 30 per cent toward the end of last year, a trend that has continued into 2026. The impact of these scams is significant:
- Financial Loss: Victims risk losing large sums through unauthorized bank withdrawals once their credentials are harvested.
- Identity Theft: Stolen personal data can be used for further criminal activities or sold on the dark web.
- Erosion of Trust: These scams target essential services, potentially damaging public confidence in digital commerce and government platforms.
- Sophistication: Scammers are now using vision-language models and AI-generated content to create highly convincing fake websites and promotional materials.
Bigger Picture
This crackdown on digital deception is a core component of the UAE’s broader cybersecurity strategy. By coordinating with Abu Dhabi Customs, the police are addressing a multi-sectoral threat that impacts everything from tourism to the automotive market. The “Aman” service—a dedicated reporting platform—has been bolstered to handle the increased volume of reports from the public, reflecting a “shared responsibility” model for national security.
Furthermore, the alert serves as a reminder of the “Cyber Resilience” goals outlined in the UAE’s 2031 vision. By maintaining a high level of public awareness and providing clear reporting channels, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as one of the world’s most secure digital environments. This proactive stance is essential for attracting international businesses and ensuring that the emirate remains a safe hub for global investment and residency.
What Happens Next
Abu Dhabi Police have confirmed that monitoring efforts are being intensified to track and take legal action against the perpetrators behind these fraudulent accounts. The public is urged to exclusively use official government applications and verified websites for all financial transactions and service requests.
Authorities are also expected to launch a new series of digital literacy workshops across the emirate to help residents identify “red flags” in online advertisements. Legal penalties for cybercrime remain severe in the UAE, and police have reiterated that they will continue to work with telecommunications providers to block suspicious links and fraudulent domains as they appear.
FAQs
How can I report a suspicious social media account?
You can report any suspicious activity through the Aman service by calling 8002626, sending an SMS to 2828, or via email at aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
What are the signs of a fake advertisement?
Red flags include unusually low prices, requests for personal or banking information via text, and links that do not match the official domain of the institution they claim to represent.
Does Abu Dhabi Customs sell seized cars on social media?
No. Official auctions and sales are conducted through authorized and trusted government channels. Any social media ad offering “seized cars” at unrealistic prices is likely a scam.
Should I share my OTP or bank PIN with the police?
No. Abu Dhabi Police and bank employees will never ask for your passwords, PINs, or security codes (CCV). Never share this information with anyone.
What should I do if I have already clicked a suspicious link?
Immediately contact your bank to freeze your accounts, change your passwords, and report the incident through the “Police Station in Your Phone” app or the nearest police station.
