Dubai Police are urging residents to be cautious when dealing with companies and online platforms that advertise guaranteed high-return investment opportunities. The warning comes from the Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, following a rise in reports of schemes promising fixed monthly profits of up to 10% with zero risk, a major red flag for fraud.

According to authorities, many of these platforms aggressively market themselves on social media and through paid ads, often misusing the logos and branding of well-known financial institutions to appear trustworthy. Police emphasised that most of these entities are operating without any official licence and typically run classic pyramid-style schemes, where money from new investors is used to pay earlier ones before disappearing entirely.

Dubai Police say that promises of unusually high returns, especially those above 10% per month, are simply unrealistic within any regulated investment framework. In legitimate markets, high profit always comes with high risk, and guarantees do not exist.

Residents are advised to always verify whether a company is licensed by the relevant financial authorities before transferring funds or making commitments. Any suspicious activity or advertisement can be reported through the eCrime platform or by calling 901.

The Force reiterated that protecting the community from financial fraud requires cooperation from both authorities and the public, noting that awareness remains the strongest defence.

We’ve all been there, out at a cafe, waiting at the airport, or shopping at a mall, when that “Free Wi-Fi” sign pops up, and we instinctively connect. But Dubai Police are warning residents to think twice before logging on.

Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, can be a playground for hackers, especially when used for sensitive tasks like online banking or logging into personal accounts.

The Hidden Dangers Behind Free Wi-Fi

According to Dubai Police, many public networks are unsecured, meaning anyone nearby could intercept your data. Hackers can sneak in through these connections to:

• Steal passwords and personal information
• Install malware or spyware on your device
• Access sensitive files or financial details

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has echoed this warning, revealing that more than 12,000 cyber breaches in 2025 were linked to public Wi-Fi, roughly 35 per cent of all cyberattacks in the country this year.

What You Should Never Do on Public Wi-Fi

• Log in to your bank account or make online payments
• Share or change passwords
• Access sensitive company data

Smart Habits to Stay Protected

1. Use mobile data or a trusted private network for any sensitive work.
2. Verify the network’s name; fake hotspots often mimic legitimate ones.
3. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
4. Enable safe browsing features on your browser.
5. Keep software and antivirus tools updated.

For Businesses Too

Organisations are also urged to tighten cybersecurity. A single data breach could lead to legal liabilities, reputational damage, and financial penalties.

That free Wi-Fi may cost you more than you think. As Dubai Police put it, stay alert, stay secure, and think before you connect.

Think you’d never fall for a scam? Think again.
From fake bank alerts to too-good-to-be-true gold offers, online fraudsters are getting smarter and faster at tricking people into giving up their money or personal details.

That’s why Abu Dhabi Police have issued a new warning, reminding residents to stay alert as reports of phone and online scams continue to rise. The latest awareness campaign, “Be Cautious”, aims to help people recognise red flags before it’s too late.

Here’s your quick guide to the most common scams doing the rounds, and how to stay one step ahead.

1. The fake bank call

You get a call claiming to be from your bank, warning that your account has been “blocked” or “suspended”. The caller asks for your card details, PIN, or OTP to fix the problem.

Don’t fall for it: Banks in the UAE will never ask for personal or banking information over the phone. Hang up immediately and contact your bank using official channels.

2. The bogus text or email

You receive a message saying your package is waiting, or your bank account needs verification, complete with a clickable link.

What’s happening: That link could lead to a phishing site designed to steal your login details.
Always type official website addresses directly into your browser; never click random links.

3. The investment that sounds too good to be true

Fraudsters often promise unrealistic returns or “guaranteed profits” through social media ads or WhatsApp groups.

Be cautious: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Only invest through licensed financial institutions or registered platforms in the UAE.

4. The fake chalet or rental deal

You spot a holiday home or weekend chalet online for an unbelievably low price. You’re asked to pay upfront, then the “owner” disappears.

Protect yourself: Always book through verified real estate or hospitality platforms, and never transfer money without confirming the legitimacy of the property or agent.

5. The ‘discount gold’ trap

Scammers may advertise cheap gold sales, asking for partial payments or deposits online. Once you transfer the money, the seller vanishes.

Remember: Always buy gold from licensed jewellers or trusted retailers.

How to protect yourself

Abu Dhabi Police recommend a few golden rules for staying safe online:

• Never share your banking or ID details over the phone or text.
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
• Verify sellers and investors before making payments.
• Report suspicious activity to the police immediately.

The ‘Be Cautious’ campaign

Abu Dhabi Police’s Be Cautious awareness drive, now in its sixth edition, is running for three months in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, UAE Cybersecurity Council, Abu Dhabi Media, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB).

The campaign’s message is clear: staying informed is your best defence.

If you encounter suspicious messages, ads, or phone calls, report them via: Aman Service: 8002626 or SMS: 2828.