Dubai Police have arrested thirteen individuals involved in phone scams that tricked residents into handing over their bank details. The suspects were part of three criminal gangs that posed as police and bank officials, convincing victims they needed to update their banking details, settle fines, or fix residency issues.
Once victims shared their CVV codes on their ATM cards and one-time passwords, the gangs accessed their accounts and stole money.
The operation was led by the Fraud Control Centre at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, as part of ongoing efforts to fight cyber fraud. Police say the scammers used highly convincing tactics, taking advantage of public trust in official authorities.
Residents are reminded by Dubai Police that banks and government departments never ask for personal or banking information over phone calls, texts or emails. Suspicious messages or calls should be reported immediately via the Dubai Police app or at their eCrime platform.