Abu Dhabi Police issued a fresh warning about a rise in online scams operating through fraudulent visa services and domestic worker hiring platforms. The scams are spreading quickly through social media networks.
Reportedly, scammers use professional advertisements together with fraudulent accounts to establish trust. The scammers target residents who need domestic assistance and require urgent visa processing. UAE police have issued safety measures to stay safe from these.
So, how does the scam work? The fake offers promise economical rates, instant service, and simple document requirements. Users click on attractive online visa posts. The criminals then ask for an upfront payment. They claim that they will guarantee a visa or domestic worker services. The fraudsters use fake reasons to obtain personal documents from their victims.
These scams often overlap with fake investment schemes and bogus product sales. The tactics are evolving, but the intent remains the same: ‘financial gain through deception’. Police have also highlighted some common warning signs. These include:
Unusually low service fees for a visa.
Urgent payment requests for getting a visa.
Refusal to meet in person for visa verification.
Unverified contact details and poor documentation.
One has to treat unsolicited offers with caution, especially those shared through messaging apps and unknown accounts.
Experts suggest that residents should work with authorized organizations and official channels to get their visas approved. Most importantly, the verification process needs to occur before any payment.
One also needs to avoid disclosing their bank information, identification documents, and passport details online. The best protection against fraud comes from people knowing about the risks. The police encourage both victims and the general public to use official helplines and digital platforms for reporting any suspicious activity.
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