Dubai Police have arrested a fraudster who was posting fake 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.
Dubai Police emphasised that such acts constitute cyber fraud, a criminal offense under UAE law.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
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.
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 realized 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.
