Dubai Police warns about fake work visa scams

Dubai police is warning residents about a rise in employment scams as crooks target victims with fake sponsorship and employment offers.

The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation is warning residents to be alert, as crooks are offering fake work visas and fraudulent sponsorship promises, which cannot be considered a legal basis for obtaining a visa.

According to authorities, scammers lure victims in with promises of guaranteed jobs or fast-tracked visas – usually in exchange for payment, as is common in such cases.

Criminals often find and contact their victims through social media platforms or messaging apps. In other cases, scammers pose as agents or company representatives to trick the victim into making a rushed decision.

The warning is part of the ongoing #BewareOfFraud campaign, which informs residents about some of the most prevalent fraudulent activities, such as misleading commercial advertisements, deepfake manipulation, phishing attacks, fraudulent investment schemes, deceptive business deals, and many others.

Authorities remind that the only way to obtain a work visa is through government channels and official recruitment agencies, while any external offers should be treated with caution.

To protect yourself against the scam, the police remind people to confirm the authenticity of any job offer with a relevant authority, only go through legally licensed recruitment agencies or official government networks to process employment and visa paperwork, and stay cautious when someone offers you a “guaranteed” visa or an attractive shortcut.

Authorities stress that reporting cybercrime is key to preventing fraud. If you or someone you know has been targeted by the scam or received a suspicious offer, make sure to report it to Dubai authorities through one of the following channels:

• The Dubai Police smart app for reporting directly from a phone
• The eCrime platform for online and cyber-related offences
• Calling 901 for non-emergency enquiries and specialist assistance