Scam in United Arab EmiratesFake officials
Fake legal-trouble call in United Arab Emirates
How it works
A message or automated call says you have broken a law or are in legal trouble. The claim is used to frighten you into responding.
Warning signs
- An unexpected message accuses you of breaking a law.
- An automated caller claims you are in legal trouble.
How to avoid it
- End the call before taking action.
- Verify the claim through an independently found official contact.
- Do not send money or share sensitive details because of a threatening call.
If it happens to you
- Move to a safe place. Avoid an argument or confrontation.
- Stop further payments and contact. Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money for a fee.
- If a card or account is affected, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Ask about blocking access and disputing payments.
- Save receipts, messages, screenshots, payment records and any vehicle details. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report fraud or theft to the police. In Dubai, call 999 if you need police attention.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/dubai2022Phone call from someone impersonating a police officerA contributor reports receiving a call from someone claiming to be a Dubai Police CID captain investigating them for money laundering.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/UAE2024Scam call alert from Dubai PoliceA contributor reports that a caller impersonating Dubai Police threatened to arrest their wife when she questioned the call's authenticity.Read on Reddit
- News2026Scammers stole Dh11.9m: Dubai Police arrest two in major fraudDubai Police report that callers threatened victims with fabricated overseas criminal cases and demanded transfers supposedly needed to verify their funds.Read on News
Questions
What is the fake legal-trouble call scam in United Arab Emirates?
A message or automated call says you have broken a law or are in legal trouble. The claim is used to frighten you into responding.
How can I spot it early?
An unexpected message accuses you of breaking a law. An automated caller claims you are in legal trouble.
How do I avoid fake legal-trouble call in United Arab Emirates?
End the call before taking action. Verify the claim through an independently found official contact. Do not send money or share sensitive details because of a threatening call.
Where in United Arab Emirates does this happen?
Phone messages and automated voice calls It has been reported in Abu Dhabi.
How common is this scam in United Arab Emirates?
Occasional. The United Arab Emirates has low crime overall, and the scams described here are mainly shopping pressure, taxi overcharging and phone fraud. Watch for missing change, extra VAT added to a quoted price, off-meter taxi fares and unexpected calls promising money or claiming legal trouble.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report fraud or theft and provide any evidence you saved. In Dubai, call 999 if you need police attention. Bank or card issuer: use its official app or the contact number on your card to report unauthorised payments, block a card or ask about a dispute. Taxi booking service: if you booked through an app, report the fare problem through that booking and keep the trip record. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or replacement travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Arab Emirates?
Police attention in Dubai: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck