If you’ve received a random message asking you to pay a parking fine, don’t click anything just yet.

Dubai residents are being warned about a new wave of scam messages targeting drivers with fake payment links, and it’s catching people off guard.

According to Parkin, fraudsters are sending texts that look legit, claiming you have outstanding parking payments and urging you to pay immediately.

Here’s the catch
These messages include unverified links designed to steal your personal or financial information.

What the warning says
• Don’t click on unfamiliar links
• Always verify payment requests
• Only use official Parkin channels for payments

Earlier this year, similar scams targeted UAE residents with fake toll messages pretending to be from Abu Dhabi’s DARB system, some even threatening fines to pressure users into paying fast.

In one case, a message claimed a small pending fee, but warned of a Dh100 fine if not paid immediately 

How to spot the scam
Watch out for these red flags:
• Messages from international or unknown numbers
• Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
• Links that look official, but aren’t
• Urgent threats pushing immediate payment

Authorities, including Ras Al Khaimah Police and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, have repeatedly warned residents not to engage with such messages.

The golden rule
Real toll or parking operators in the UAE don’t ask for payments via random SMS links, and they won’t pressure you with threats.

If it feels suspicious, it probably is. Pause, verify, and protect your information. Because one wrong click could cost you more than just a parking fine.

A new warning from Dubai Police is putting residents on high alert as fraudulent insurance schemes surge across the emirate, many of them spreading rapidly through social media.

As part of its ongoing BewareofFraud campaign, authorities revealed that unlicensed companies are luring victims with “too-good-to-be-true” deals, often advertising heavily discounted vehicle and health insurance packages designed to trick unsuspecting buyers.

These fake operators typically promise quick, hassle-free policies at prices far below market rates—pushing some residents to make payments without checking whether the company is legitimate. By the time doubts arise, the money is often gone.

Officials stressed that all legitimate insurers in the UAE are tightly regulated and must follow strict procedures to protect customers. Any offer that seems unusually cheap or rushed should raise immediate red flags.

Despite ongoing monitoring and legal action against fraudsters, Dubai Police made it clear: awareness is your strongest defence. Residents are strongly urged to verify licences, double-check documentation, and avoid engaging with suspicious online ads.

Anyone who encounters potential scams is encouraged to report them immediately via the eCrime platform or by calling 901, the dedicated non-emergency helpline.

With scams becoming more sophisticated, one simple rule could save you: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

Dubai Police have issued a public advisory warning residents against the spread of misinformation, stressing that relying on unverified sources can threaten community safety and stability.

In a statement shared on social media, authorities highlighted how the speed of modern communication has made it easier for inaccurate information to circulate, sometimes deliberately to create panic and anxiety.

Officials emphasised that individuals play a critical role in maintaining public order, noting that sharing unverified content can have serious consequences. “What we share matters,” the statement said, adding that misinformation can undermine public safety.

Residents have been urged to act responsibly online by verifying information before sharing and relying only on official sources for updates.

The advisory also referenced warnings from UAE Public Prosecution, which confirmed that individuals who repost or circulate rumours—even if they are not the original creators—can face legal action under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Authorities reiterated that responsible digital behaviour is essential to protecting both individual and community well-being.