Too Good to Be True? Dubai Police Warns Against Fake Online Discounts Preying on Shoppers
Dubai Police issues scam alert amid rise in fake discount offers across food, travel, and e-commerce platforms. Learn how to spot online fraud and protect your personal and banking data in the UAE.
You’re scrolling Instagram.
A pop-up ad flashes across the screen — “80% off at your favourite beach resort. Limited time only!”
Sounds amazing, right?
But what if that deal could cost you far more than just your money?
Dubai Police has issued a stern public alert urging residents to stay cautious of online scams disguised as massive discount offers. These fake promotions are not just misleading — they’re a growing cybercrime trend that plays on emotions like urgency, greed, and tru
The Scam Playbook: What’s Happening?
From food delivery deals and spa offers to staycations at luxury resorts, scammers are creating near-perfect replicas of real companies — complete with stolen logos, lookalike URLs, and even verified-like Instagram pages.
Their goal?
To trick users into clicking links, sharing banking information, or paying deposits for services that simply don’t exist.
The fraud is so widespread that Dubai Police’s Anti-Fraud Center has launched a campaign called “Be Aware of Fraud” to tackle it head-on.
How to Protect Yourself — Dubai Police’s Advice
Dubai Police laid out simple, actionable guidelines to help residents stay safe:
🚩 1. Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Offers
If something seems too cheap to be true, trust your gut. Avoid clicking links from unknown accounts or forwarded messages.
✅ 2. Check the Source
Look for a verified tick, a genuine following, and posting history. Scam pages often appear suddenly and vanish just as fast.
📝 3. Read the Reviews
A quick search can reveal a lot. If others are warning about the ad being a scam — listen.
🔤 4. Watch the Language
Typos, poor grammar, and awkward sentences are red flags. Professional companies don’t publish sloppy copy.
📞 5. Confirm with the Real Brand
Call the brand directly or visit their official site to check if the offer is real. Never rely only on forwarded links or DMs.
Most Importantly: Don’t Share Personal Info
Dubai Police strongly advises never sharing your Emirates ID, bank card details, or the OTP (One-Time Password) your bank sends. Scammers are getting smarter, and once they have that data — your account is at risk.
What To Do If You Suspect a Scam?
Why This Matters – It’s Not Just a Click, It’s a Crime
Stay Smart, Stay Safe
At a time when rents are rising, cost of living is stretching, and people are looking for deals, these scam ads seem like relief.
But don’t let desperation become danger.
As the Dubai Police reminds us — awareness is the first line of defence.
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