Scam in United Arab EmiratesOther tricks
Fake lottery win in United Arab Emirates
How it works
An unexpected message or automated call claims that you have won a lottery.
Warning signs
- You receive an unexpected lottery announcement.
- The claimed win arrives through a message or automated call.
How to avoid it
- Do not act on an unexpected prize message.
- Do not send money or share payment details to claim a prize.
- Verify any claim independently before responding.
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.
- News2018Alert: Scammers target UAE millionaire draw ticket buyers with fake prize notificationsDubai Duty Free warns that impostors contact consumers with false prize notifications and request personal information and money.Read on News
- Redditr/UAE2026Sheikh Hamdan Foundation Lottery ScamA family reports that scammers claimed a relative had won an unclaimed lottery during a Dubai visit and extracted repeated cryptocurrency payments.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake lottery win scam in United Arab Emirates?
An unexpected message or automated call claims that you have won a lottery.
How can I spot it early?
You receive an unexpected lottery announcement. The claimed win arrives through a message or automated call.
How do I avoid fake lottery win in United Arab Emirates?
Do not act on an unexpected prize message. Do not send money or share payment details to claim a prize. Verify any claim independently before responding.
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.
Are there similar scams in United Arab Emirates?
Yes: fake gift from a Sheikh.
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