By Staff Reporter
Scammers in the UAE are employing new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims out of their money, authorities warned.
While residents have often been warned to avoid clicking on fraudulent links, different methods which play on people’s emotions and sympathy are also used to deceive. Dubai Police shared a video advisory warning residents not to transfer money to strangers.
In the video, a man receives an SMS stating that Dh10,000 has been deposited into his account. As soon as he found the huge amount of money transferred to his account, he received a call telling him that the money was sent to him “accidentally”.
The caller said the money was needed for urgent medical treatment and pleaded for its immediate return. He asked the receiver to transfer back money to another account.
Scammed for acting in good faith
Responding to the claim of money supposedly “needed for treatment”, the victim hurriedly transfers the money to a strange account, unaware he is being duped.
Two days later, the man receives a message from the bank, stating his account has been flagged due to a violation of policy.
It is essential to take action if you receive money from unknown individuals by immediately reporting it to the relevant authorities through the number 901.
Dubai Police emphasised that such scams are increasingly diverse and sophisticated, and called on the public to remain vigilant. Authorities advised residents never to transfer funds to unknown individuals.
What to do incase of wrong transfer
If you receive a bank transfer from a stranger, do not spend or transfer the money. Under UAE law, a person who unlawfully appropriates money they are not entitled to, even if deposited accidentally, can face fines or imprisonment. Any unexplained funds can also lead to suspicion of money laundering.
Take the following steps:
1. Do not use or withdraw the funds
Keep the money untouched in your account. Using it may be considered a criminal offence, such as ‘unjust enrichment’ or money laundering, even if it was sent by mistake.
2. Contact your bank immediately
Report the unexpected deposit to your bank’s customer service or branch manager.
Request an official investigation and document your communication by saving emails, chat records, or get a reference number.
3. Flag your account temporarily
This protects you if the funds are tied to fraud or illegal activity.
The bank may reverse the transaction if it is confirmed to be sent in error.
4. File a police report
Especially if your bank suspects fraud or if the sender later contacts you aggressively.
Visit the nearest police station or use the Dubai Police app to report it.
5. Do not engage with unknown senders
If someone contacts you asking for the money back, do not transfer anything yourself.
Legitimate reversals are usually handled through the banking system, not direct transfers.
