5 Alarming Cases & Tips as Dubai Police Warn of Scammers Posing as Officers
Dubai Video Call Scam has become a growing concern, with Dubai Police issuing repeated warnings after several cases where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers via phone or video calls to trick people into handing over personal or banking information.
These scams exploit trust in official institutions, using sophisticated tactics that make it difficult for victims to realise the call is fake until it’s too late.
How this Dubai Video Call Scam works: Impersonation and Urgency
Fraudsters pretend to be from police departments, government authorities, or banks. They call or video-call you, sometimes showing fake uniforms or using uniforms on the screen, and claim there is a legal issue, a fine, or that your bank account is at risk. They demand personal data, OTPs, card CVV, and login details.
They often create a sense of urgency: “You must act now,” “Your account will be frozen,” etc. This is meant to pressure the victim into compliance before they stop to verify.
Real Cases & Arrests
Dubai Police dismantled three different phone scam gangs (13 suspects) who impersonated officials over phone/video calls, requesting banking info under false pretexts like settling fines or updating details.
In another case, five scammers were jailed and deported after posing as police officers to defraud someone of Dh9,900 by tricking him into giving bank details to avoid account freezing.
Warnings have also been issued for fake calls, SMS and emails asking people to pay fines via links, which are in fact phishing attempts.
Dubai video call scam: How You Can Protect Yourself
1. Always Verify the Caller:
If someone calls saying they’re from the police or an official department, ask for their badge number, name, and contact you back through official channels (e.g. police station number).
2. Never Share Sensitive: Data Over Calls or Links
Banks, government authorities, or police will never ask you for your CVV, OTP, PIN, or full banking credentials via phone or SMS. If they do, it’s a red flag.
3. Check Email Addresses or IDs:
Look for suspicious or slightly altered email IDs and phone numbers. Official communications usually come from verified accounts or official domains.
4. Report Suspicious Calls/Video Calls Immediately:
Use the Dubai Police eCrime platform, the official Dubai Police app, or call emergency lines like 901.
5. Stay Calm and Resist Pressure:
Scammers rely on you panicking. Pause, check your facts, talk to someone you trust, verify via official sources.
Why Authorities Are Taking This Seriously
Dubai Police have said these scams are increasingly sophisticated. They often use audio or video tools, fake or altered visuals (uniforms or badges in video calls), convincing language, and sometimes even AI-taken or generated voices or visuals.
Additionally, victims often lose money, suffer identity theft, or have long-term issues when their banking credentials are compromised. Early detection and awareness are critical.
Official Advice and Where to Find Help
For accurate, up-to-date info and reporting:
- Always refer to Dubai Police official channels (website, app) for advisories.
- Use eCrime Dubai to report fraud attempts.
- Keep up with announcements by trusted UAE media like Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The National which often publish details of current scam methods.
Dubai Police dismantle phone scam rings provides insight into recent operations and methods.
Conclusion
This Dubai video call scam in which Video/phone call scams pretending to be Dubai Police or officials are real and becoming more advanced. Staying alert, refusing to share personal or financial info over unverified calls, verifying caller credibility, and reporting suspicious behaviour can protect you.
Your best defence is awareness. Together with official vigilance, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent acts.
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