Dubai Police have warned residents about an increase in online scams as Eid al-Adha approaches. This alert comes as festive shopping activity intensifies throughout the UAE. Authorities claim that fraud attempts are anticipated to rise during this high-demand period, as residents actively look for deals and travel offers.
Eid al-Adha and Arafah Day are among the most important religious occasions in the UAE. The period also brings a long public holiday. Shopping activity rises sharply during this time. Demand increases across clothing, electronics, travel bookings, and household preparations. Online platforms experience heavy traffic from buyers searching for discounts.
Dubai Police predict that scammers are taking advantage of this surge in activity. Fraudulent offers are being shared across social media and messaging platforms. Many of these deals appear attractive at first glance but are designed to mislead users during peak festive demand.
Authorities said some offers may look too good to ignore. These include heavy discounts, limited-time deals, and fake order links. Fraudsters are using these methods to attract users who are actively searching for Eid-related shopping offers.
Police also noted that many scams are structured around urgency. Messages often push users to act quickly. This reduces the time people take to verify authenticity.
Dubai Police have urged residents to follow basic safety steps before making any purchase. They advised users to verify online accounts and check the credibility of sellers. Residents have been warned to avoid clicking unknown ‘Order Now’ links shared through social media. Authorities also said users should stay alert to unrealistic discounts.
Offers that look unusually cheap compared to market rates should be treated with caution. Only authorized and trusted platforms should be used for transactions. A key warning also highlighted financial transfers. Residents have been strongly advised not to send money to personal bank accounts under any circumstances.
The rise in scams shows a clear pattern linked to seasonal shopping behavior. Analysts note that fraud activity typically increases during festive periods when digital transactions rise sharply. High engagement on social platforms creates more exposure to deceptive advertisements.
The Eid shopping season continues to drive strong consumer activity in the UAE. Dubai Police have stressed that awareness and verification remain the most effective protection. The situation reflects a broader trend where cybercriminals track consumer behavior patterns and time their attacks during peak digital spending cycles.
Also Read: UAE Cyber Security Council Alerts Public to Escalating Online Fraud Threats Across Digital Platforms