As the Eid holidays approach, the UAE Central Bank has issued a serious warning to the public about a sharp rise in scam activities. With the festive season being a busy time for shopping, banking, and travel, scammers are using this opportunity to trick residents with fake messages, phone calls, and emails.
The warning came as part of the Central Bank’s efforts to protect both individuals and businesses from falling victim to financial fraud. The bank said it has already received multiple reports about people receiving scam messages pretending to be from official banks, government entities, and even delivery companies.
According to the Central Bank, scammers are targeting people through SMS, emails, and social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. These messages often come with fake offers, prize claims, or urgent warnings asking users to “update their account details,” “verify their identity,” or “click a link to claim a reward.”
The messages may look real, but they are designed to steal personal and banking information. Once a person clicks on these links or shares their data, the scammers can gain access to their bank accounts, credit cards, or other sensitive information. This can lead to major financial losses within minutes.
How the Scams Work
The most common scam involves fake SMS messages that look like they are coming from a bank or delivery service. The messages may say that a package is waiting, or your bank account has been blocked and needs verification. Once you click the link, you are taken to a fake website that looks almost exactly like a real one. You’re then asked to enter your card number, password, or OTP (One Time Password).
Other times, scammers pretend to be from government departments offering holiday bonuses or free Eid gifts. Some even say you’ve won a big prize in a random draw – but you have to “pay a small fee” or “confirm your identity” first.
It’s easy to fall for these tricks, especially when the messages create a sense of urgency or excitement. That’s why the Central Bank is urging everyone in the UAE to be extra careful, especially during the Eid holidays when scams usually increase.
Advice from the Central Bank
To help people stay safe, the Central Bank has shared some important advice:
- Never share your personal or banking details over SMS, email, or phone calls.
- Do not click on unknown links or download attachments from strange messages.
- Always double-check the sender’s email address, phone number, or website.
- Call your bank directly if you receive a suspicious message.
- Use official apps or websites for banking and shopping, especially during holidays.
The Central Bank also reminded people that no bank or government office will ever ask for personal banking details through messages or phone calls. If you are ever unsure, it’s always safer to contact the official customer service channel.
Growing Problem During Holidays
Scam attempts often rise during holidays such as Eid because people are distracted with celebrations, travel, and last-minute shopping. Fraudsters know this and take advantage of the busy atmosphere.
Even small mistakes – like clicking a link in a rush – can lead to big problems. Many scam victims have reported losing thousands of dirhams in a matter of minutes. Some have had their bank accounts drained, credit cards maxed out, or even had their identities stolen.
Cybersecurity experts say that scammers use clever tricks to make their messages look real. They use logos, brand colours, and fake sender names to make their emails and messages appear trustworthy.
Who’s Being Targeted?
Everyone can be a target – young adults, families, the elderly, and even business owners. But scammers often focus on those who may not be tech-savvy or who are unfamiliar with how scams work. That’s why education and awareness are so important.
Authorities say that in recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in scams aimed at UAE residents who speak different languages. Some scam messages are sent in English, Arabic, Urdu, or Tagalog – depending on the recipient.
By making the scam feel more personal and familiar, fraudsters increase their chances of success. This makes it even more important for everyone to be cautious, regardless of the language or how real the message looks.
What You Can Do
Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from Eid holiday scams:
- Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts.
- Regularly update your passwords and avoid using the same one everywhere.
- Report suspicious messages to your bank or the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
- Educate your friends and family, especially older members who may not be familiar with digital fraud.
You can also follow the UAE Central Bank and other government authorities on their official social media channels. They regularly share updates, warnings, and safety tips to help residents stay protected.
Government Taking Action
The UAE government has taken strong steps in recent years to fight cybercrime. Several awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the public, especially during festive periods like Ramadan and Eid.
Authorities also work closely with telecom providers to block known scam numbers and websites. In addition, financial institutions have been asked to strengthen their digital security and train their customer service teams to handle scam-related queries.
Last year, the UAE introduced tougher laws against cybercrime, with stricter punishments for those who try to steal personal data or commit fraud online. However, staying safe also depends on the public being alert and informed.
Final Word
Eid is a time for joy, generosity, and togetherness. But it’s also a time when scammers try to take advantage of the holiday spirit. The Central Bank’s warning is a reminder to stay cautious, not curious.
Don’t let fraudsters ruin your celebrations. Be smart, double-check every message, and when in doubt – don’t click, don’t share, and don’t believe.
Also read: Why More UAE Workers Are Choosing Balance Over Bigger Salaries
