Dubai Police Warn of New Scam: Fake “Consumer Protection” Sites Stealing Personal Data and Banking Info
In an urgent advisory, the Anti-Fraud Department of Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation has spotlighted a growing online scam that targets unsuspecting users through search engines and social media platforms. Increasingly, fraudsters have been creating counterfeit websites impersonating official “Consumer Protection” platforms, thereby tricking users into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. This scam specifically exploits remote access technology to execute unauthorized transactions, resulting in significant financial losses for victims.
How the Scam Works
The modus operandi of this scam involves deceiving victims who are actively seeking to file consumer protection complaints. When potential victims search online for legitimate consumer protection sites, they might unknowingly land on one of these fraudulent platforms. Once there, they are coaxed into sharing personal details such as their name, email address, phone number, and a description of their complaint.
Following this, the scammer establishes contact, often posing as a credible official by reiterating the complaint details provided earlier to build trust. Gaining the victim’s confidence, the fraudster then instructs them to download remote control software and simultaneously log in to their bank account. This setup allows the scammer to mirror the victim’s phone screen in real time, capturing banking credentials and performing unauthorized financial transactions such as transfers or purchases.
Risks of Remote Access Programs
Remote access applications are at the heart of this scam and pose a significant security threat. These malicious apps grant the fraudster full visibility and control over the victim’s device screen, effectively exposing all confidential information stored or accessed on the device. The scammers exploit these tools to deftly navigate bank apps, retrieve passwords, OTP codes, and other sensitive data used for securing financial accounts.
The Dubai Police have emphasized that these applications are deliberately designed to enable such screen mirroring and control, facilitating fraudulent activities without the victim’s immediate awareness.
Call to the Community
In light of this serious threat, Dubai Police have issued a clear call to action for the public. Users are urged to strictly utilize official and verified consumer protection channels alone. Downloading any suspicious or unverified applications should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, under no circumstance should banking details or login credentials be shared with unsolicited callers or messages, no matter how convincing they seem.
The authorities also encourage prompt reporting of any scam attempts via the eCrime platform or by calling 901. Early reporting helps safeguard personal data and financial assets, while aiding in the swift identification and apprehension of criminals.
About Dubai Police Anti-Fraud Department
The Anti-Fraud Department within Dubai Police was established as an essential unit of the General Department of Criminal Investigation focused on combating financial crimes and scams. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a technologically advanced force employing forensic and digital tools to dismantle sophisticated fraud networks. The department actively tackles cyber-enabled fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and high-value thefts including gold and credit card scams.
It also confronts emerging threats such as AI-assisted fraud and fraudulent online businesses to keep Dubai’s financial landscape secure. The department’s proactive approach extends to public education campaigns designed to raise awareness about fraud risks and encourage vigilant reporting by citizens and businesses alike.
By highlighting these risks and preventive measures, Dubai Police aim to empower residents and safeguard the community from increasingly sophisticated scams that exploit digital trust and technology for illicit gain.
