Dubai Police alerts residents to fake holiday rental scams this summer
Dubai Police warns of fraudulent chalet and holiday home ads on social media. One victim lost AED 8,000 to a scammer who then cut off all contact.
Fake holiday rental ads target Dubai residents seeking summer deals
Dubai Police has issued a warning to community members about a wave of electronic fraud tied to counterfeit offers for chalets and holiday homes, as reported by emirates247.com. Fraudulent advertisements are circulating on social media platforms and various websites, exploiting residents' desire to find affordable summer travel deals.
Officials confirmed that scammers post professionally designed listings at prices well below market rates, deliberately targeting people searching for discounted accommodation. The warning was issued under Dubai Police's ongoing 'Be Aware of Fraud' awareness campaign.
The scheme came to light after a man filed a complaint stating he had responded to an advertisement on a social media platform featuring an attractive chalet offer in Dubai. The advertiser requested a deposit and an insurance fee, both described as refundable. After the victim transferred AED 8,000, the scammer disabled his contact number and became unreachable.
Dubai Police said multiple similar reports have since been received involving the same method. Scammers use professional photographs of real properties — either fabricated listings or copies of genuine advertisements — and repost them at reduced prices to attract victims.
"After the victim expresses interest in renting the property, the scammer asks for a transfer of money as a booking deposit, documentation fee, or insurance before viewing the property or signing any official contracts," the Force stated. "However, the victim later discovers — after making the transfer — that the advertised property does not exist at all, or that the advertisement belongs to a real property whose owner has no connection to the scammer."
Officials identified an unusually low rental price relative to a property's standard and location as one of the primary warning signs. Scammers also rely on urgency tactics, pressuring victims to transfer funds quickly under the pretext of high demand or an expiring offer, without allowing time to verify the listing.
Dubai Police urged residents to take the following precautions before transferring any funds:
- Visit and inspect the property in person to confirm it exists
- Verify the identity of the landlord or real estate company and their legal ownership
- Check the validity of all contracts and documents provided
- Avoid relying solely on photographs or electronic conversations
- Complete all procedures through recognised official channels
- Refrain from transferring money to personal or unknown accounts
For those considering renting accommodation in another country, officials stressed the need to verify the entity being dealt with through official means rather than depending on online communication alone.
Residents who encounter suspected fraud or suspicious websites are advised to report it through the e-Crime platform or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.
Source: Google News AE