RTA Warns Against Unauthorized Vehicle Transfers

Escalating Fraud in Dubai: RTA Warns of Unauthorized Vehicle Transfers

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is witnessing an increasing number of cases where vehicle transfers, license plate changes, and other ownership-related transactions occur without the vehicle owner's knowledge. According to the RTA, these incidents often result from users unknowingly sharing their account login details with others.

This issue is not just a digital security problem; it can have real financial and legal consequences. Unauthorized transfers of a vehicle or license plate may trigger irreversible events, leading to significant financial losses and legal complications.

The Consequences of Phishing and Account Sharing

In most cases, the RTA states that users themselves share the login credentials necessary for accessing RTA platforms—with friends, family members, or even automotive service companies. However, by doing so, they actually grant full access to their vehicles, license plates, and other transportation-related assets.

Recent statistics show a surge in incidents in the last few months where vehicle owners have been notified post-factum that their car or license plate has been transferred under someone else's name, all from their account, without their notice.

The authority warns: “Sharing login information is like handing someone your car keys.” If someone gains unauthorized access to the account, they can virtually do anything: transfer the vehicle, alter the license plate, or even register new vehicles under another name.

The Importance of Protecting Digital Identity

The UAE Pass—a digital identity system provided by the United Arab Emirates—enables users to access numerous governmental and private services with a single login. While convenient, it is also a highly sensitive data point.

The RTA strongly urges residents to always log in using UAE Pass for official services, as it is the most secure way of logging in—though only if users adhere to basic security practices.

These practices include:

- Enabling biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition)

- Avoiding phishing emails and links

- Regularly monitoring account activity

- Keeping login credentials strictly confidential

What Can Happen if Unauthorized Parties Access Our UAE Pass Account?

Many believe that sharing an account for vehicle administration or simple parking purposes cannot cause significant problems. However, the UAE Pass is not just tied to vehicle registration—the account can grant unauthorized persons access to other sensitive services as well.

A compromised UAE Pass account, for example, allows:

- Downloading personal documents and confidential records (passport copies, residency permits, lease agreements)

- Applying for loans or services in someone else's name

- Manipulating real estate or business affairs

- Abusing state or health services

Such data theft can result in severe consequences even months later, such as the account owner discovering that someone took out a loan in their name or that they are no longer listed as a company director.

Responsibility Lies Beyond the RTA

The RTA emphasizes: protecting digital accounts is a shared responsibility. While the authority uses advanced security systems and monitors irregular activities, users are also obliged to take all precautions. The majority of unauthorized accesses are not due to hacker attacks but rather simple human errors, such as password sharing.

The authority advises never to share login details, and if a third party—be it an administrator, service, or otherwise—handles a vehicle matter, they should use the official authorization system. The UAE Pass offers the possibility to authorize certain transactions without granting full access to the entire account.

Protection in the Digital World

The digital transformation in Dubai is happening rapidly, and online platforms are used across almost every area of life—whether it be transport, healthcare, or real estate. This is convenient, but if we do not manage our digital identity properly, it could be misused.

UAE Pass and RTA systems are secure—but only if we use them consciously and responsibly. Managing passwords, enabling biometric identification, and monitoring account activity are now basic necessities, not luxury options.

Summary

The authorities in Dubai—including the RTA—have made it clear: data misuse can have serious consequences. The best defense is prevention: do not share login details, use UAE Pass, and take digital security seriously. Losing a car, license plate, or other ownership rights may not only mean financial loss but also legal procedures, lengthy administration, and personal inconvenience. To live calmly and safely in Dubai, protecting online accounts is just as crucial as safeguarding physical assets.

(Source of this article: based on a statement from Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)