Legal Alert: Dubai Police Roll Out Anti-fraud Drive, Warn Sharing Banking Data Can Trigger Criminal Liability, Financial Loss

Dubai Police has launched a wide-ranging anti-fraud campaign in coordination with more than 40 government, semi-government and private sector entities, in a move aimed at strengthening legal awareness and tightening preventive safeguards against financial crimes across the emirate.|

The initiative, spearheaded by the Crime Prevention Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, places strong emphasis on educating the public about fraud offences that increasingly exploit digital communication tools. These crimes often involve the unlawful acquisition of funds and misuse of credit card and personal data through sophisticated information technology systems — acts that fall within the scope of punishable cyber and financial offences under UAE law.

Senior officials said the campaign reflects a broader institutional push to curb fraud by reinforcing public awareness as a primary line of legal defence. The drive is being implemented under the supervision of top police leadership overseeing criminal affairs, with a focus on ensuring that both employees and the wider community understand the legal risks and consequences associated with sharing sensitive financial information.

Authorities have issued a clear warning against engaging with callers who request banking credentials or claim to be updating personal or financial records. Such tactics are widely recognised as fraudulent schemes designed to extract confidential data and carry out unauthorised transactions. Officials reiterated that no legitimate government or financial institution would seek sensitive banking information from customers in this manner, and any such request should be treated as a potential criminal attempt.

The campaign also underscores how fraud networks are often meticulously organised, taking advantage of gaps in awareness to execute illegal activities. Continuous education, officials noted, is essential not only for individuals but also for families and workplaces, given the evolving nature of cyber-enabled financial crimes.

Targeting a broad demographic, the initiative extends to employees, their families, and residential communities, covering citizens and residents across nationalities. By working closely with private sector partners, authorities aim to embed preventive practices at the grassroots level and reduce exposure to fraud risks.

Dubai Police has also outlined clear legal recourse for victims and those encountering suspicious activity. Fraud attempts and suspicious communications can be reported through the Dubai Police smart application, the non-emergency helpline (901), the eCrime platform, and the ‘Police Eye’ service dedicated to cybercrime cases.

In cases where individuals detect unauthorised deductions, authorities advise immediate action — contacting the bank to block the card and halt further transactions, followed by promptly reporting the incident to the police. This sequence is critical not only to minimise financial loss but also to initiate formal legal proceedings against perpetrators.

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