A growing number of UAE residents—mostly Filipinos—are raising alarm over an aggressive “raffle prize” scheme circulating in malls and supermarkets across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. What starts as an innocent free raffle ticket quickly escalates into high-pressure sales tactics, misleading promises, and thousands of dirhams lost—without any working vouchers, valid offers, or approved refunds.
One Filipina, who requested anonymity for safety, shared her experience to warn fellow kabayans. “First they spread their people all around Dubai—malls, supermarkets, anywhere. Sa amin, sa Sahara Mall habang naghihintay kami ng food order, may lumapit sa amin and asked us to fill up a raffle ticket. Everything sounded free, so we signed,” she shared with TGFM.
The next day, she received a call from a woman identifying herself as “Ms. Gail,” informing her that she won a raffle prize that included multiple items—the catch: they must be collected on the same day at an office in Deira.
“She explained the three prizes and said there were no hidden charges. We really believed it,” the victim said.
Inside the office: concert tickets, jewelry discounts, and intense sales pressure
Upon visiting the office, the couple was handed what looked like a bundle of rewards: concert ticket vouchers, discount coupons from a well-known gold and jewelry brand, hotel discount cards, and a “travel card” allegedly valid for trips to 2–3 destinations.
But the real objective soon became clear.
“They have tactics… para kang ma-hypnotize kasi ang ganda ng offer nila. They kept telling us the travel package has no expiration, and that everything was 100% refundable within 30–45 days,” she said.
According to victims, they were surrounded by multiple staff members who used different names.
“They introduced themselves as Anne and Bryan sa amin, pero sa ibang victims, iba rin ang pangalan nila.”
More concerning, victims were not given time to read the contract.
“They will not give you time to read. Minamadali ka nila. Even the Wi-Fi—di ka nila bibigyan, sasabihin weak signal.”
Screenshots also showed stacks of glossy vouchers and a thick contract booklet filled with dozens of fine-print terms. One page bore the victim’s signature alongside the handwritten amount of AED 7,500, listed as the package fee.
A separate receipt—also signed—showed the same amount paid in card.
The promise of “100% refund” disappears after payment
“We were told we can refund 100% in their office if we need to cancel. But after we got home, I searched their name. My God—ang dami palang complainants,” she recalled.
She discovered online groups filled with Filipinos claiming they were unable to use the vouchers, access the website, or get any support after payment.
“Travel card hindi gumagana, vouchers invalid lahat.”
“Yung website nila hindi ma-search, not working.”
Despite visiting the office again the next working day—well within the “7-day emergency refund” written in their contract—the couple was only given a phone number of a supposed customer service person named “Mike.”
“We emailed them many times. Ang sinagot lang namin automated responses.”
“Hanggang ngayon, lahat ng number na binigay nila, hindi na sumasagot.”
Other victims claim they paid AED 4,000, AED 7,500, AED 15,000, and even AED 21,000, with none receiving a refund.
She also revealed a disturbing detail:
“Some people in victim groups are not victims—they are spies. They join group chats to gather information. One person pretended to be a victim but later blocked me.”
Growing number of victims
More than 10 victims personally reached out to her, but each victim knew more people, creating an expanding network of complainants.
“Ang hirap nang bilangin kung ilan na. Every day may bagong nabibiktima.”
Victims say the same pattern repeats constantly in malls: strangers offering “free raffles,” calls announcing “instant prizes,” and the same pressure-heavy office visit that ends with a large payment before the person realizes what happened.
A plea for awareness and justice
“I want to remind everyone—be vigilant, be mindful.” she said.
“Sariling kabayan ko ang nanloko sa amin. A lot of victims are having anxiety and depression. Hard-earned money namin ‘to.”
She added:
“We hope we get justice. If there’s any procedure where we can cooperate with authorities, we will do our best para mabalik ang nawala sa amin.”
The group is urging residents—especially OFWs—to avoid on-the-spot contracts, “instant prize” calls, and offers that discourage reading the terms.
“Not all raffles will make you happy. Minsan, they will make you miserable.”
Disclaimer: The Global Filipino Magazine has intentionally withheld the name of the company involved to avoid legal repercussions and to comply with regulatory sensitivities in the UAE. This article was written solely to raise awareness after numerous victims came forward to share their experiences, concerns, and supporting screenshots with the publication.
