Dubai police arrest rental scam agent posting fake listings: How to avoid online rental frauds

Dubai Police have arrested a fraudulent real estate agent who was deceiving prospective tenants through fake apartment rental listings on websites and social media platforms. The scammer enticed individuals with unusually low rental prices, prompting victims to transfer upfront payments or deposits to secure properties that ultimately did not exist or were misrepresented.

According to Dubai Police, once a victim sent the payment, the individual would immediately cut all communication and disappear without providing access to the advertised property or delivering any legitimate services.

Authorities confirmed this was a clear case of cyber fraud, which is considered a criminal offense under UAE law.

Rising Digital Payments, Rising Risk
This incident has unfolded against a backdrop of growing vulnerability to online financial crimes. Dubai Police noted that the UAE’s digital payments market is projected to reach $80.37 billion by 2025, a trend that, while boosting convenience, significantly increases the risk of financial fraud, especially during festive seasons and high-spending periods.

Dubai Police have strongly urged the public to remain vigilant when exploring rental options online and to avoid making any financial transfers before:

• Verifying the landlord’s identity
  
  
• Confirming the legitimacy of the property
  
  
• Using legally approved and official channels
  
  

They also encouraged residents to report any suspicious advertisements or fraudulent activities via the Dubai Police app or by calling 901, stressing that public cooperation and awareness are key to combating cybercrime.

Similar Cases in Abu Dhabi and Ajman
The arrested Dubai scammer is part of a broader national pattern of real estate fraud.

On July 8, 2023, Abu Dhabi authorities issued a public warning regarding similar scams involving fraudulent property listings circulated on social media platforms. These scams typically involved photos of non-existent or heavily misrepresented properties, paired with attractive, below-market rent prices.

Abu Dhabi Police reported that victims only realized they had been scammed after sending a deposit and discovering that:

• The property did not exist.
  
  
• The property was never connected to the person they had been dealing with.
  
  

Authorities in the capital stressed the importance of using registered rental agencies and following official documentation procedures. They particularly warned the public to be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers, like steep rent discounts, which they described as red flags for real estate fraud.

Meanwhile, Ajman Police issued their own alert on June 25, 2023, warning of a spike in online scams, including fake job listings and rental ads. Officials in Ajman described these schemes as among the most common forms of digital fraud.

Scammers in Ajman were reportedly using phishing links and fabricated promotions, targeting victims with offers involving:

• Fake farm and resort rentals
  
  
• Unrealistic product deals
  
  
• Messages impersonating banks or government entities
  
  

Ajman Police cautioned that these types of fraud could lead to identity theft, financial loss, and account breaches. They urged the public to treat all unsolicited digital communications and offers with skepticism and to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information.

Authorities Push for Safer Property Transactions
In response to the growing number of fraudulent incidents, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has reiterated its call for residents and investors to only deal with licensed agents and officially listed properties.

The DLD emphasized that it actively monitors property listings and urged individuals to avoid using informal platforms such as unverified social media posts when entering into property agreements.

The DLD and industry experts recommend the following precautions:

Work only with RERA-certified agents and legal professionals

• Certified advisors are better equipped to ensure legal compliance and protect your investments.
  
  

Conduct thorough due diligence

• Always verify the credentials of developers and ensure the project has formal approval.
  
  

Understand ownership zones and regulations

• Recent legal reforms now allow broader foreign ownership. Residents should stay informed about eligible zones and their respective terms.
  
  

Use official digital platforms

• The Dubai REST platform and DLD mobile apps provide access to property titles, real-time transaction tracking, and accurate market insights.
  
  

Revisit your investment strategy regularly

• Whether your approach involves renting, flipping, or long-term holding, it should align with the UAE’s updated real estate laws and compliance guidelines.
  
  

Authorities across the UAE are aligning to combat a growing wave of online property and financial fraud, urging the public to stay informed, cautious, and cooperative in reporting any suspicious activities. Dubai Police concluded by reinforcing their message: “Public awareness remains our strongest line of defense.”