Protect Yourself From Scams in the UAE
Fraud in the UAE is real, and it usually starts with a call, text, or email that pressures you to act immediately. A common scam involves someone claiming to be police, immigration, or a government office, saying you have an unpaid fine or a legal problem and must pay right away by phone or transfer money to a "safe account." Real UAE authorities do not ask for payment or your bank details over the phone, and they do not threaten arrest to get you to pay on the spot.
If you get a call or message like this, hang up. Do not pay, do not transfer money, and do not share your Emirates ID, bank details, or OTP codes with anyone who calls or texts you first. Then verify: contact the organization yourself using a number you look up independently, never the one the caller gave you. In Dubai, report to police via 901 or ecrime.ae; in Abu Dhabi, contact Aman on 800 2626; elsewhere in the UAE, call 901. You can also forward suspicious SMS messages to 7726. If you are ever unsure, ask the Financial Aid & Scholarships office before you act.
