Dubai Police Warn Jobseekers of Part-Time Job Scams Targeting Bank Details
Authorities in Dubai have issued a warning to people searching for employment, advising them to steer clear of fraudulent part-time job advertisements that aim to steal financial information or recruit individuals to help carry out illegal money transfers.
Common tactics used by scammers
The Anti-Fraud Centre, which operates under the General Department of Criminal Investigation, urged residents to verify any prospective employer through official channels before sharing personal data. Individuals were told never to disclose banking details, share one-time passwords (OTPs), or hand over money in exchange for a job.
According to police, fraudsters frequently target those looking for extra income by promoting appealing part-time roles that may seem genuine but are in reality designed to facilitate fraud or other unlawful activities.
A major red flag, the centre noted, is when an employer asks an applicant to receive funds into their own bank account and then transfer that money to another person or account in return for a commission. Such arrangements could be connected to illegal financial transactions, the centre cautioned.
Anyone who receives this type of request should stop all communication with the organisation immediately.
How to identify legitimate employment opportunities
The Anti-Fraud Centre stressed that genuine part-time jobs come from legally licensed businesses that have verifiable identities and physical addresses. Honest employers also provide clear terms of employment, explain the rights and obligations of both parties, and adhere to standard hiring procedures.
Jobseekers were advised to check company names and registration details through official sources and to confirm they are dealing with a legitimate employer before accepting any offer or handing over personal information.
Police also recommended that residents avoid clicking on unfamiliar links received through social media or messaging apps, as these could expose them to online fraud and cybercrime.
Applicants need to be especially cautious about advertisements that promise easy money but lack clear job descriptions or proper recruitment procedures. Dubai Police reiterated that jobseekers should never pay any fees to secure employment.
Campaign and reporting channels
The warning comes as part of Dubai Police’s involvement in the Ministry of Interior’s campaign titled “A Safe UAE Starts with Your Digital Awareness”, which was launched in conjunction with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October to increase public understanding of online fraud and cybercrime.
Police called on residents to stay alert and report fraudulent job offers, suspicious accounts, and potentially harmful links through the Dubai Police e-Crime platform or by calling 901.
Dubai Police emphasised that public awareness and careful verification of employment opportunities remain essential in preventing online fraud and protecting jobseekers from financial exploitation.
