Dubai Police has issued a major advisory on August 27, 2026, regarding fraudulent agents on social media and messaging apps who ask for money to provide UAE jobs, visit visas, or residency.
- Fraudsters make fake ads promising quick jobs and visas for upfront money.
- The alert focuses on Indian jobseekers and people moving to the Gulf using WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
- Scammers use names of unlicensed companies and copy official entities to look real.
The Anti-Fraud Centre stated that red flags include demands for payment to unofficial intermediaries for visa services. Fraudulent ads usually claim
guaranteed jobs, rapid visa approval, sponsorship, or immediate joining. Dubai Police urges the public to use only competent government authorities or legally approved offices for visa processes. Before sharing personal details like passport copies, Emirates ID, bank information, OTPs, or payments, individuals must verify the company and offer through official channels. For private-sector jobs in the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) requires workers to get a Ministry-approved employment offer form with a unique serial number or barcode. Applicants can check these offers on the MOHRE website, smart app, or by calling 600590000 using a transaction number, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. If a recruiter gives only a WhatsApp PDF, an edited letterhead, or a screenshot with no entry in the MOHRE system, it is suspicious. Dubai entry permits and residency documents can be checked through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai visa status service. Immigration papers for other emirates should be checked through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Suspicious signs include
immediate job confirmation without an interview, no verified license details, very high salaries, or requests for money sent to personal bank accounts.
Victims of fraud or attempted fraud should report incidents using the Dubai Police smart app, the eCrime platform, or by calling 901. Victims must save evidence like
chat screenshots, phone numbers, payment receipts, bank transfer details, and documents given by scammers. People who already sent money by bank transfer or card should contact their bank right away to trace or freeze the money. Dubai Police stresses that checking the service source is the best defense against scams and strongly warns against using unofficial shortcuts for jobs or visas.
