Dubai Police arrest fake agent offering scam apartment deals

Dubai Police have arrested a fake agent who was posting fraudulent apartment rental listings on websites and social media platforms, luring victims with unusually low prices.

According to authorities, the scammer targeted individuals searching for rental properties by requesting upfront payments or deposits to secure a booking. Once the money was transferred, the suspect would cut all contact and vanish — delivering no property or services in return.

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Dubai Police emphasised that such acts constitute cyber fraud, a criminal offense under UAE law. This incident comes at a time when the UAE's digital payments market is projected to reach $80.37 billion by 2025, a trend that significantly increases the risk of financial fraud, especially during festive and high-spending seasons.

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Public urged to stay vigilant

Authorities have called on the public to exercise caution when dealing with online rental listings to avoid falling victim to these schemes.

They urged residents not to transfer any funds before verifying the identity of the landlord and confirming the legitimacy of the property through approved legal channels.

The authorities also encouraged community members to report any suspicious advertisements or fraud attempts via the Dubai Police app or by calling 901, stressing that public awareness and cooperation remain key to preventing such crimes.

Broader pattern of rental fraud

This incident is part of a broader pattern seen across the country. On July 8 last year, Abu Dhabi authorities issued a warning about similar fraudulent property listings circulating on social media. Scammers were found to be using photos of non-existent or misrepresented properties paired with attractive rent offers to deceive unsuspecting tenants.

In many cases, once a deposit was sent, the victim realised the property either didn’t exist or had no connection to the person they had been speaking with.

Abu Dhabi Police have also stressed the importance of using registered rental agencies and adhering strictly to official documentation procedures. They warned against falling for tempting offers like drastically reduced rents, which are often red flags for real estate fraud.

Wider warning on online scams

The issue of online fraud extends beyond rental listings. Ajman Police on June 25 issued a separate warning about a rise in fake job and rental advertisements, identifying them as among the most common forms of online scams.

Officials noted a surge in fraudulent ads and phishing links designed to lure victims with too-good-to-be-true offers — from bogus farm and resort rentals to misleading sales promotions and fake messages impersonating banks or government bodies.

Ajman Police stressed that these scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and account hacking, urging the public to be extremely cautious when engaging with unsolicited online offers.

Dealing with listed properties

In light of the increasing number of fraud cases, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has reinforced its warning to residents and investors: only deal with licensed real estate agents and listed properties.

The DLD regularly monitors listings and urges all buyers and renters to avoid informal platforms, such as personal social media posts by unverified individuals, when making property transactions.

The DLD and industry experts offer the following recommendations to avoid falling victim to rental fraud:

1. Work with Rera-certified agents and legal professionals: Certified advisors help ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard your investment.

2. Conduct detailed due diligence: Always verify the credentials of developers and confirm the project's approval status.

3. Stay informed about ownership zones: Recent reforms allow for broader foreign ownership. Know which areas are eligible and what conditions apply.

4. Use official digital tools: The upgraded Dubai REST platform and DLD apps allow users to check property titles, track transactions, and access market data in real time.

5. Regularly review investment strategies: Whether you're buying to rent, flipping, or holding long-term, make sure your strategy aligns with Dubai’s updated real estate laws and regulations.

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.