Looking for a side hustle? Be careful.

Dubai Police have warned residents not to fall for fake part-time job offers circulating on social media and messaging apps after uncovering a scam that tricked a young man into helping criminals move stolen money.

In a social media post, Dubai Police shared how the scam typically unfolds. The victim responded to an online advert promoting a work-from-home job with flexible hours and quick earnings. After being told he had been accepted, he was instructed to open a new bank account or use his existing one to receive and process what were described as customer payments.

Money was then deposited into his account, and he was instructed to transfer it to other bank accounts in exchange for a commission.

The scammers claimed he was working for an overseas financial services company, but investigators later discovered the transfers were linked to a criminal network.

The victim told police he believed the job was genuine and had no idea he was helping fraudsters.

How the scam works

Police said these scams usually begin with online job ads offering fast cash for simple tasks.

Victims may then be asked to:

• Use their bank account to receive and transfer money.
• Pay registration or activation fees.
• Share personal or banking details.
• Complete financial transactions for a commission.

Authorities warned that scammers often use unsuspecting people’s bank accounts to move illegally obtained funds, which could leave the account holder facing serious legal consequences.

How to stay safe

Dubai Police urged job seekers to:

• Verify employers before accepting any job offer.
• Never share bank details with unknown individuals or companies.
• Avoid jobs that ask you to transfer money on behalf of others.
• Ignore employers requesting upfront payments or registration fees.

Anyone who receives a suspicious job offer is encouraged to report it through Dubai Police’s eCrime platform or by calling 901 for non-emergency assistance.

1. Dubai is setting up a new committee to combat misinformation and fake news while strengthening clear, transparent communication about the emirate’s achievements.

The move follows a directive from Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The new Dubai Media Narrative Committee will be chaired by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council.

The committee will shape Dubai’s official media narrative, define key communication priorities for government and private sector entities, and recommend policies and strategies to the Dubai Media Council for approval and implementation.

Sheikh Ahmed said a strong and credible media narrative has become an essential part of Dubai’s development journey, adding that the emirate’s creative and intellectual talent provides a solid foundation for telling Dubai’s story in line with the leadership’s vision.

The initiative aims to ensure accurate communication, counter false information and reinforce public confidence through a unified and transparent approach.

Abu Dhabi Police have warned residents to stay alert as online fraud and financial scams tend to increase during the salary payment period.

Authorities said fraudsters are taking advantage of payday by using fake advertisements, phishing links and fraudulent offers to steal money and personal information.

What to watch out for

According to police, scammers are posing as legitimate businesses and organisations to trick victims through:

• Fake property rental and sale listings.
• Bogus residency and visa services.
• Fraudulent job and labour recruitment offers.
• Fake insurance products.
• False advertisements for vehicles allegedly seized by Abu Dhabi Customs.
• Fake investment opportunities.
• Counterfeit event tickets.
• Websites impersonating government agencies and well-known organisations.
• Requests to download remote access apps.
• Demands for advance payments or deposits for goods, services, training courses or fake certificates.

How to stay safe

Abu Dhabi Police urged residents to:

• Never share bank account details, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs).
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unsolicited offers.
• Verify sellers before transferring money or paying deposits.
• Use only official websites and mobile apps for government services.

Residents who suspect they have been targeted by fraud are encouraged to report incidents through the Aman service.