Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning urging the public to stay alert and avoid clicking suspicious online advertisement links that could lead to scams, fraud, or financial losses.
Fraud warning: Abu Dhabi Police caution public about deceptive advertisement links circulating online
Abu Dhabi Police have alerted residents to the spread of misleading online advertisements designed to trap users into clicking fraudulent links. Authorities warned that cybercriminals rely on such ads to lure victims, enabling them to harvest sensitive personal and financial information.
Officials noted that similar digital scams have been flagged repeatedly in the past, with many aimed at extracting banking details or personal data that can later be used for financial theft or identity fraud. Once compromised, victims may face unauthorised access to their accounts or misuse of their identities. Police have urged the public to remain highly cautious while browsing the internet and engaging with online promotions.
Beyond issuing warnings, Abu Dhabi Police have also outlined common scam tactics, methods to recognise suspicious activity, steps to reduce risk, and channels for reporting attempted fraud. The goal, they said, is to empower residents to protect themselves before becoming victims.
Understanding the scam
According to authorities, scammers often design fake websites that closely resemble legitimate platforms. These pages advertise goods or services at unrealistically low prices to attract attention. When users click on the links and proceed to enter details, fraudsters gain access to confidential personal and financial information.
Ways to stay protected
Police stressed that vigilance is the strongest defence against online fraud. Residents are advised to double-check the legitimacy of electronic links before clicking on them and avoid sharing credit card details, passwords, or personal data on unfamiliar websites. Payments should only be made through trusted platforms, and apps should be downloaded exclusively from official app stores or those approved by government authorities.
Community members were also reminded never to disclose sensitive information such as bank account details, ATM PINs, online banking passwords, or card security codes under any circumstances.
How to report suspected fraud
Abu Dhabi Police have encouraged the public to immediately report any suspected scam attempts through Aman, the police’s electronic reporting service. Reports can be made by calling 8002626, sending a text message to 2828, using the Abu Dhabi Police smart application, or emailing aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cybersecurity awareness and tackling digital crime, emphasising that public cooperation plays a vital role in safeguarding the wider community.
Officials noted that online scams have grown increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking the design and language of reputable brands, retailers, or government services. Fraudsters frequently use logos, colour schemes and professional layouts to make fake advertisements appear authentic. These deceptive techniques are designed to lower users’ guard and encourage quick action, such as limited-time offers or urgent payment requests. Abu Dhabi Police warned that urgency is a common red flag in online fraud and urged residents to pause, verify and think critically before interacting with unfamiliar digital content.
Authorities also highlighted that scammers often rely on social media platforms and messaging apps to spread fake advertisements rapidly. Sponsored posts, pop-up ads and unsolicited messages may appear convincing but can redirect users to malicious websites. Police advised users to review website URLs carefully, check for spelling errors, and avoid clicking shortened or masked links. They stressed that legitimate organisations rarely request sensitive information through ads or unsolicited messages, and such requests should always be treated with suspicion.
Cybersecurity experts working with law enforcement said awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing online fraud. Regular updates from authorities, combined with digital literacy, help residents recognise evolving scam patterns. Abu Dhabi Police continue to run public awareness campaigns highlighting safe online practices, especially targeting vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and first-time internet users. These efforts aim to reduce financial losses and emotional distress caused by cybercrime.
The police also encouraged families to discuss online safety at home, particularly with children and teenagers who may be exposed to digital advertisements while browsing or gaming. Parents were advised to educate young users about the dangers of clicking unknown links and sharing personal details online. Setting privacy controls, using secure payment methods, and enabling two-factor authentication were highlighted as additional steps that can significantly reduce exposure to online threats.
Abu Dhabi Police reiterated that reporting suspected fraud helps authorities track trends, identify criminal networks and protect others from becoming victims. Even if no financial loss occurs, reporting attempted scams contributes valuable information for investigations. Officials reassured the public that all reports are handled confidentially and emphasised that community cooperation is essential in strengthening digital security and maintaining public safety in an increasingly online world.
