Online Scams in Dubai, UAE
Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers. Below are the online scams scams reported in Dubai — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Abu Dhabi, Baku, and Petra.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Online Scams Scams
11
Total in Dubai
How it works
Fraudsters advertise short-term holiday apartments in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah on Instagram and via WhatsApp, using stolen photographs of real luxury units. They request full payment or a large deposit via bank transfer before handing over keys, then become unreachable on arrival day. Unlike the villa deposit scam targeting long-stay rentals, this scheme targets tourists booking 2–7 night stays and uses peer-to-peer messaging apps to avoid traceable booking platforms.
See all scams in Dubai
11 total warnings across all categories