UAE warns against fake consumer protection websites and scams
The digital world has brought convenience, but it has also opened the door for new forms of fraud. In the UAE, where online shopping, e-services, and digital transactions are part of everyday life, scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Recently, the Emirates Society for Consumer Protection issued a strong warning about fake complaint websites and social media accounts that are pretending to represent official consumer bodies.
These fraudulent platforms misuse government logos, create fake documents, and falsely claim they can resolve consumer complaints. In reality, they aim to deceive residents by demanding fees, requesting bank transfers, and even stealing sensitive personal information. The warning is an important reminder for all UAE residents to remain cautious and to verify sources before sharing any personal details online.
Official Consumer Protection Services Are Free
One of the most important clarifications made by the Emirates Society for Consumer Protection is that its services are always free of charge. The Society does not ask for money, does not accept payments, and never sends links requesting financial transactions.
Its mission is to protect consumers, resolve disputes, and raise awareness about their rights. This is a public service, not a commercial activity. Any entity that asks consumers for fees or banking details in exchange for complaint handling is immediately suspicious and should be avoided.
The Society urged consumers to stay alert and report such fraudulent requests to the authorities. Blocking suspicious sources and refusing to share financial details are critical steps in protecting one’s personal and financial safety.
Fraudulent Websites Imitating Official Platforms
According to the Society, these fake complaint portals are not simple amateur attempts. Many of them are well-designed, with stolen logos, fabricated office addresses, and fake contact numbers. They even create email addresses that look official to trick users into believing they are legitimate.
To increase their credibility, these platforms often claim that they operate 24 hours a day, maintain full confidentiality, and promise complaint resolutions within 48 hours. Some even provide fake complaint reference numbers to make their operations appear genuine.
In reality, these promises are part of a larger strategy of fraud and deception. The goal is simple: to gain consumer trust quickly and then exploit it for financial and personal data theft.
Exploiting Common Consumer Issues
The Society revealed that these fraudulent platforms take advantage of the most frequent issues faced by consumers. They design complaint forms that look like official documents and ask for personal information such as full name, phone number, and email address.
The forms usually list common consumer problems, including:
- Hidden or additional service charges
- Commercial fraud
- Defective products and faulty devices
- Harassing promotional calls and spam messages
- Fraudulent gold and diamond sales
- Non-compliance with after-sales service obligations
- Breach of business license rules
- Price manipulation and misleading discounts
- Failure to honor promotions
- Sudden and unjustified price increases
By presenting these categories, scammers create the impression that they are equipped to handle genuine complaints. This makes many people believe they are contacting a recognized consumer protection body when, in reality, they are putting themselves at risk.
Fake Platforms Collecting Data and Money
The dangers of these fake websites go beyond financial fraud. They are also designed to gather personal data. Once consumers fill out the counterfeit forms, scammers collect their names, contact information, and sometimes even banking details.
This stolen information is then used in identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or sold to other fraud networks. Scammers often reassure victims by displaying fabricated privacy policies, but their true intention is to misuse data.
The Society stressed that consumers must never provide sensitive information, especially bank account details, card numbers, or passwords, to unverified websites or social media pages.
False Promises and Fabricated Services
To appear trustworthy, these fraudulent platforms claim to resolve a wide range of issues. They say they can handle refund delays, online shopping fraud, fake trading schemes, misleading advertisements, counterfeit goods, contract violations, transport complaints, warranty disputes, and even privacy breaches.
Some platforms even go so far as to claim they can handle complaints against both private companies and government entities. They present themselves as all-in-one solutions for consumer protection, which makes them attractive to victims.
However, none of these promises are true. Te reality is that these platforms have no authority to resolve complaints. Their only purpose is to trick consumers into handing over money or personal details.
Why UAE Consumers Are Being Targeted
The UAE has one of the highest levels of digital connectivity in the world. Residents are comfortable using online platforms for shopping, banking, and accessing services. This makes the country an appealing target for scammers who want to exploit consumer trust.
Fraudsters know that people in the UAE take their consumer rights seriously and often seek help when they face unfair treatment. By creating fake complaint websites, scammers place themselves between the consumer and the solution, offering false promises of quick resolutions while stealing money and data.
The Emirates Society for Consumer Protection is increasing its efforts to protect consumers because these scams not only harm individuals but also threaten the overall trust in digital services, which are central to the UAE’s future economic growth.
Advice from the Emirates Society for Consumer Protection
To protect the public, the Society has issued clear advice:
- Do not pay any fees – All official consumer complaint services are free.
- Never share sensitive information – Do not provide banking details, card numbers, or passwords to any platform claiming to handle complaints.
- Report suspicious platforms – If you encounter a fraudulent website or page, report it to the authorities immediately.
- Use only official websites – Access consumer protection services only through official government or Society channels.
- Stay informed – Being aware of scams and understanding how they operate is the best way to avoid falling victim.
These steps are simple but effective in keeping consumers safe from online fraud.
The Role of the Emirates Society for Consumer Protection
The Emirates Society for Consumer Protection is a trusted, non-profit body that plays a vital role in safeguarding consumer rights. It investigates complaints, runs awareness campaigns, monitors commercial practices, and ensures businesses follow fair rules.
By issuing this warning, the Society is reinforcing its role as a guardian of consumer rights in the UAE. It also highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and safety in the digital space.
The organization reminded the public once again that its services are free, it never asks for money, and it does not require sensitive financial information from consumers.
Protecting Digital Trust in the UAE
Fake complaint websites do more than harm individuals. They damage the overall trust in digital platforms, which can have a negative effect on businesses and the economy.
The UAE is working hard to build a strong digital economy, and protecting consumers is a vital part of that mission. By exposing fraudulent platforms, the Emirates Society for Consumer Protection is helping build a safer environment for everyone.
However, consumer awareness is just as important as official action. A well-informed public is the best defense against online scams.
Services Are Free, Stay Alert and Report Fraud
The Emirates Society for Consumer Protection ended its warning with a strong message. Its services are always free, and it never requests payments or personal banking details.
Consumers must remain vigilant, avoid sharing information with unverified websites, and report fraud as soon as they encounter it. By doing so, they protect not just themselves but also contribute to a safer digital community across the UAE.
