Dubai Police have issued a stern new warning following a distressing incident where a woman in the emirate lost Dh10,000 to a fraudulent domestic worker recruitment office that was actively promoted on social media platforms. This case starkly illustrates how rapidly online scams can escalate once initial contact is established, leaving victims financially devastated.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
According to detailed reports from Dubai Police, the victim was searching for a domestic worker to assist with household duties when she encountered a professional-looking advertisement on social media. The ad offered appealing terms and conditions that seemed legitimate at first glance. After contacting the phone number provided in the advertisement, the woman received assurances that a suitable domestic worker was immediately available and perfectly matched her specific requirements.
The Multi-Stage Payment Trap
Captain Abdullah Khalfan Al Mansouri from the Criminal Prevention Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation provided a thorough breakdown of how the scam operated. The fraudster initially requested a small deposit to begin the recruitment procedures and arrange delivery of the domestic worker. Trusting the process, the woman transferred this initial amount.
Within minutes, she received another message demanding a delivery fee to confirm the order, which she also paid promptly. A third message followed shortly after, stating that the worker was ready for delivery and only the final payment remained. Eager to complete the process quickly, the woman transferred the remaining balance, bringing her total losses to Dh10,000.
Sudden Disappearance and Communication Blackout
Immediately after receiving the final payment, all communication channels went silent. The advertiser vanished completely, leaving the woman without any domestic worker and significantly out of pocket. Captain Al Mansouri emphasized that this method represents one of the most common forms of online fraud currently circulating, where scammers strategically divide payments into multiple stages to build false trust before disappearing with the full amount.
Dubai Police's Ongoing Awareness Campaign
This incident was reported as part of Dubai Police's ongoing #BewareOfFraud campaign, which aims to raise public awareness about evolving online scam tactics and protect residents from financial predators. Authorities stressed that such fraud cases typically begin with attractive offers and professional-looking advertisements that appear completely legitimate, only to end with the sudden disappearance of the perpetrators once payments have been secured.
Official Guidelines for Safe Recruitment
Dubai Police have issued clear guidelines for anyone seeking domestic help in the UAE. They strongly recommend dealing exclusively with licensed and accredited recruitment offices that operate legally within the country. The Anti-Fraud Centre has repeatedly warned that scammers are increasingly posing as legitimate recruitment agencies to illegally collect money from unsuspecting victims.
Protective Measures and Reporting Channels
Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution and verify service providers thoroughly before sharing any personal data or making financial payments. Dubai Police recommend several verification steps and reporting channels for suspected fraud:
- Always verify the licensing status of recruitment agencies through official channels
- Never transfer money to unverified accounts or individuals
- Report any suspected fraudulent activity immediately through official platforms
The Dubai Police Smart App provides a convenient reporting mechanism, while the eCrime platform offers dedicated fraud reporting services. Residents can also utilize the Police Eye service or call 901 for non-emergency cases to report suspicious activities. These measures form part of a comprehensive strategy to combat online fraud and protect community members from financial exploitation.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder that while digital platforms offer convenience, they also present new opportunities for criminals to exploit trust and urgency. Dubai Police continue to enhance their monitoring and prevention strategies while encouraging public vigilance as the first line of defense against sophisticated online scams.
