Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to the public following a spike in online fraud cases involving fake auctions, counterfeit products, and bogus job offers.

One of the scams involves fraudsters placing online ads for luxury watches. Victims are tricked into transferring money, only to discover that the watches are fake upon delivery.

Authorities also warned of fraudulent trading platforms. These websites often appear legitimate, with professional ads and fake profiles that simulate profits to convince victims to deposit more funds. However, when victims attempt to withdraw their money, they are blocked.

The police also cautioned residents against paying deposits for fake vehicle plate numbers, properties, or insurance policies promoted on scam websites. Some fake platforms mimic popular restaurant or retail brands to steal money through fake offers and then drain users’ bank cards.

Job seekers were specifically warned about fake employment schemes, where scammers pretend to be recruitment agents or company representatives, sometimes even using the names of real events. Victims are asked to pay fees for jobs that don’t exist.

Abu Dhabi Police urged residents to:

• Never share confidential banking information, including card numbers, passwords, PINs, or verification codes.
• Be cautious of suspicious calls or messages requesting to update banking details.
• Report any suspicious activity by calling the Aman service on 8002626, sending a text to 2828, or visiting the nearest police station.

The warning comes as part of ongoing efforts to fight cybercrime and protect community members from financial loss.

The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), on Tuesday, announced a new decision to waive traffic violations under certain conditions.

Chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Council, the decision allows for the cancellation of traffic fines recorded by Sharjah Police if 10 years have passed since the violation.

To apply for the waiver, individuals must pay a processing fee of Dh1,000. However, there are exceptions to this fee in the following cases:

1. Verified death of the vehicle owner
2. Continuous departure of the vehicle owner from the country for at least 10 years
3. Abandoned vehicles where the owner cannot be located

This move is part of Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to ease financial burdens on residents and support the well-being of the community.

The UAE is set to host the first-ever Arabian Gazelles Rally, an exclusive all-women’s driving event that blends luxury, adventure, and empowerment. 

Set to begin at the Dubai Autodrome, the event, taking place from April 30 – May 4, will see a group of international women drivers come together for a multi-day road trip across the country in their supercars. The official date and detailed route will be announced soon.

Organised by Arabian Gazelles, the region’s first female-only supercar club, the rally is more than just a driving experience, it’s a celebration of women who love the open road and high-performance cars.

Participants will drive across scenic routes covering deserts, mountains, and coastal highways. Along the way, they will enjoy several experiences, including luxury stays, gourmet dining, wellness activities, and networking sessions.

“This rally is about more than just horsepower. It’s about women claiming space, shifting the narrative, and driving the change they want to see, mile by mile,” organisers said.

The rally is open by invitation only and is expected to attract a mix of entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, and motoring enthusiasts from around the world.

To register for the race, go to www.arabiangazelles.com.

(Source: GN, arabiangazelles.com)