House hunters, it’s time to keep your guard up! The Abu Dhabi police have issued a critical warning about a surge in fraudulent real estate ads making the rounds on social media.
These online property scams, designed by cunning cyber criminals, promise tantalising deals on properties for sale or rent at irresistibly low prices. But, behind these too-good-to-be-true offers lurks a dangerous trap.
The tech-savvy fraudsters are adept at gathering financial information from eager buyers and renters. Once they have your details, they swiftly take money from your accounts. It’s a digital heist that’s catching many off guard, but you don’t have to be the next victim.
How to avoid property scams
To stay safe, the police urge everyone to verify the authenticity of any property deals directly with developers or authorised real estate offices.
Additionally, always ensure that the property is registered with the relevant government sector. This extra step can save you from a lot of heartache and financial loss. If searching for properties via Bayut, the site offers a TruCheck search option. This lists homes that have been previously verified by legitimate agents who have both physically visited the property themselves and uploaded relevant deeds.
In case you receive a suspicious call or think you’ve been targeted by a scam, take immediate action. Visit your nearest police station without delay, or call the dedicated helpline at 8002626. You can also report incidents via text by messaging 2828. The faster you act, the better your chances of thwarting these fraudsters.
This latest alert follows a notable increase in real estate fraud cases reported across social media platforms and various websites. As part of their warning, the police also emphasise the importance of cyber hygiene. This means avoiding clicking on dubious links and never sharing your confidential information with anyone.
Remember, legitimate banks will never ask for your online banking passwords, ATM PINs, the CCV number on your bank cards, or those one-time passwords (OTPs) sent to your phone.
By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your finances from falling into the wrong hands. Stay savvy folks, and leave that hard-earned money to remain exactly where it belongs.
