Due to fraudsters constantly improving their methods to obtain people's personal data and steal funds, the Abu Dhabi Customs authority issued a warning to the public on Wednesday regarding circulating fake messages, advising residents to follow certain recommendations for online protection.
Abu Dhabi Customs used its social media channels to publish an important notification concerning a fraudulent message titled: 'Official Customs Notification of Detention – Customs Tariff Classification Required (Harmonized System),' warning everyone who receives such a message online not to respond to it. Residents can call 800 555 for consultations or support from this authority.
The authority stated that individuals sending these messages are impersonating Abu Dhabi Customs and asking recipients to click on suspicious links or provide personal information, emphasizing that such messages are not official correspondence issued by Abu Dhabi Customs.
As part of its warning, Abu Dhabi Customs published a guide for the public on protecting their information online: do not click on anonymous or suspicious links; do not share personal or confidential data; verify the source of the message before taking any action or making payments; and ignore suspicious messages and do not engage with them.
UAE authorities regularly warn residents about fraudsters and their increasingly sophisticated manipulation tactics. In addition to these warnings, steps have been taken to protect residents. In Dubai, the police closed 103 fraudulent social media accounts during the second quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to protect residents from online fraud. These actions occurred against the backdrop of repeated warnings that fraudsters use social media platforms and messengers to advertise non-existent services and offers.
Previously, in August, Dubai Police sent a message to reassure residents, stating that artificial intelligence and criminal data analysis are increasingly being used to support investigations and identify emerging threats, allowing officers to move from reacting to offenses to predicting and preventing them. Nevertheless, the public is advised to remain vigilant.
Dubai Police issued a warning regarding scammers offering fake part-time job vacancies and deceiving job seekers. According to the law enforcement agency's statement, fraudsters require individuals to open fictitious bank accounts, which are then used to transfer illegally obtained funds to accounts controlled by their groups.
The case of a young man named 'S' was presented. He saw an advertisement for remote work on a social network. Attracted by the promise of quick and flexible income, he applied. He was then sent a message confirming preliminary employment.
The alleged employers posed as an external financial company and asked 'S' to open an account in his name or use an existing bank account 'for administrative purposes.' The young man began receiving various sums of money into his account and was asked to promptly transfer them to another account, supposedly to settle transactions or process client transfers. He received a commission for each transfer.
Dubai Police reported that 'with every transfer, he was promised continued work and a permanent position.' After checking the bank transfers, the police summoned the young man for questioning. 'S' confirmed that he did not suspect he was working for a criminal group and simply followed instructions within what he considered legitimate employment.
Dubai Police clarified that this type of fraud usually begins with an attractive job advertisement—one that promises quick income for simple tasks. After applying, the person receives 'acceptance' and is asked to transfer money under false pretenses, such as registration fees or account activation. They may also request personal and banking details.
The law enforcement agencies noted that in some cases, victims' accounts are used for fraudulent operations 'completely without their knowledge.' The nature of this scam is such that the victim may not only lose funds but also be held legally responsible for crimes committed by the fraudulent groups.
Dubai Police strongly urged the public to observe the following precautions: verify the legitimacy of anyone offering part-time opportunities; interact only with officially accredited institutions; do not share personal or banking information with unverified parties; and do not transfer money in exchange for a job offer. In case of a suspected scam, report it immediately through the eCrime platform or call 901 for non-urgent matters.
