Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting search engine results to direct unsuspecting users toward fraudulent websites designed to harvest personal and financial information, Abu Dhabi Police have cautioned.
Authorities said the fake links are engineered to closely mimic legitimate platforms — including government service portals and consumer protection sites — making them difficult to distinguish from genuine sources. “Fraudsters use misleading links to trick users into sharing sensitive information,” officials said, adding that verifying the source before entering any details is essential.
Police noted that these deceptive sites are built using professional methods that allow them to rank prominently in search results, increasing the likelihood that users will encounter and click on them. Once accessed, the sites typically prompt visitors to input banking credentials or personal data, which are then exploited for fraudulent purposes.
Residents are being advised to access services only through officially approved websites and applications, and to double-check any link before submitting sensitive information.
Suspicious activity can be reported through the Aman service via phone at 8002626, by text to 2828, by email at aman@adpolice.gov.ae, or through the “Police Station in Your Phone” platform.
The warning forms part of a broader public awareness campaign by Abu Dhabi Police, with authorities emphasizing that an informed public is a key line of defense against the growing threat of online fraud.
