Abu Dhabi Residents Warned of Rising Online Scam Threats

An Abu Dhabi resident lost Dh734,000 (around $200,000) in a trading scam after being lured by a social media advertisement in 2019. The victim, a Jordanian IT manager, initially deposited substantial amounts into a fraudulent website, UFX, encouraged by scammers who convinced her of lucrative returns. Despite her attempts to withdraw funds following losses, she was pressured into further investments, even taking a Dh300,000 loan, ultimately leading to the complete loss of her capital. Even after the website's closure, scammers continued contacting her, urging reactivation on other fraudulent platforms.

In a separate case, Serbian fitness trainer Goran Jovanovic lost Dh2,500 when scammers impersonated Dubai Police, obtaining a bank OTP under false pretenses to access his account.

Abu Dhabi Police’s cybersecurity team warns that scammers frequently impersonate legitimate corporations, using known logos and names to gain victims' trust. Fraudsters often show initial "profits" to convince targets to invest more, only to escalate losses. Lt-Col Ali Al Nuaimi stressed the evolving nature of online fraud and the need for vigilance.

These cases highlight the importance of cyber awareness and preventive measures. Victims should report such incidents to authorities promptly, avoiding sharing personal or financial details with unknown sources. Independent verification of any investment opportunity is essential, as online fraud remains an evolving threat demanding heightened caution, especially when dealing with unsolicited offers.

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