Dubai Police have apprehended a scammer who tricked unsuspecting residents with fake online apartment listings, taking their money and disappearing without a trace.
The arrest was part of the ongoing “Be Aware of Fraud” campaign, led by the Anti-Fraud Center of Dubai Police’s Criminal Investigation Department. Authorities revealed that the individual posed as a landlord and advertised non-existent rental units at highly attractive prices. Interested victims were told to transfer a deposit or advance payment to lock in the deal—only to find the supposed landlord unreachable once the money was sent.
“This is a clear case of cyber fraud,” Dubai Police stressed, warning that such crimes are punishable by law and handled with the highest urgency.
Police urged residents to be vigilant when searching for rental properties online. They advised the public to verify landlords’ identities, confirm property ownership, and use official platforms before making any payments.
The public is also encouraged to report suspicious advertisements or fraudulent activity through the Dubai Police app or by calling 901.
“Community awareness is our strongest line of defense,” authorities said, emphasizing the importance of reporting and caution to stop these scams before they spread.
