Beware: Rental Scams Target Foreigners in Dubai

Dangerous Apartment Hunts: New Rental Frauds in Dubai

On the fast-paced Dubai real estate market, where demand for low-priced apartments is continuously growing, more and more foreigners fall victim to frauds. A new wave of rental frauds is spreading mainly through social media and advertising websites, where fraudsters posing as agents collect advance payments and then disappear.

How do these frauds work?

Perpetrators often exploit urgent apartment search situations, particularly among newly arrived foreigners who often try to find a quick solution on a limited budget. Advertisements generally offer realistically priced, well-located properties, often in well-known districts such as BurJuman, Barsha, or Dubai Marina.

The tenant immediately receives a demand to transfer a “reservation fee” – usually between 300 and 1,000 dirhams – because “interest is high and a quick decision is necessary.” Once the amount is transferred, the fake agent cuts off all contact and becomes unreachable.

Advanced tricks: Fake apartment viewings and shared apartments

Another common fraud form is the “bait and switch” tactic. Victims are invited to visit an existing apartment that is tidy, secure, and operates with a key card entry. The tenant believes they will rent a room, but upon moving in, it turns out the apartment is shared with many others, often unlawfully – such as six people living in it, with some in partitioned living rooms.

The biggest problem with these arrangements is that they are often illegal. Tenants frequently can only enter the building as guests, using someone else’s entry card. This is not only inconvenient and humiliating, but police procedures can also be initiated at any time due to property overcrowding.

Where do these frauds spread?

Facebook Marketplace, various expat groups, and advertising sites – such as Dubizzle – have become the primary tools for fraudsters. As these platforms have high traffic and limited oversight, they can easily access unsuspecting tenants.

Although authorities have already arrested some of these fraudsters, the number of cases is rising. The Dubai Police issued a warning and encourages the public to report any suspicious activities.

What can be done for protection?

The UAE’s relevant authorities, including the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and industry players suggest the following:

Work with a RERA-licensed agent: These real estate experts are officially registered with verified backgrounds.

Verify ownership: Request the title deed or use official digital systems, such as the Dubai REST platform.

Don’t transfer money without a personal meeting: Until you have seen the apartment and signed an official contract, do not hand over any money.

Avoid offers that are too good to be true: If something is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.

Be aware of rental rules: For example, whether shared housing is allowed in a particular zone or only independent rentals are permitted.

What else should be watched for?

Many fraudsters claim the owner is abroad and ask for a video tour or to conduct the transaction through an external site (e.g., Booking.com). This is a serious warning sign.

Official real estate agencies usually have offices, present ownership documents, and contracts are prepared in a RERA-approved format.

Summary

Dubai’s real estate market is dynamic and offers many opportunities, but caution is essential. Crooks not only steal money but also security and peace from victims. It is worth choosing official channels, thoroughly informing yourself, and not rushing decisions – even if the advertisement seems attractive.

To protect tenants, the cooperation of authorities and the community remains crucial: If anyone encounters a suspicious case, do not hesitate to report it. This could be the first step toward protecting others from the same loss.

(Source: Based on a statement from Dubai Police.)