Dubai residents are increasingly targeted by a rental scam that causes significant financial losses, especially among the expat community. Fraudulent agents collect deposits from prospective tenants and then vanish, leaving victims without the promised properties.
These scams predominantly occur through platforms like Facebook and popular property listing sites such as Dubizzle. The vast number of residents searching for homes on these channels has made them prime targets for scammers.
Key Points of the Scam
- Fake agents request deposits for rental properties that do not exist or are not available.
- Victims lose substantial sums of money with no way to retrieve their deposits.
- Social media and online property listing websites are common venues for these scams.
Advice and Precautions
Authorities and experts recommend the following measures to avoid falling victim:
- Verify the credentials of rental agents before making any payments.
- Confirm the legitimacy of rental listings through official channels.
- Report suspicious listings and agents to the appropriate authorities immediately.
The increase in online rental scams underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and improved tenant protection in Dubai’s property market. As the city continues to expand as a global hub for expatriates and workers, many are now turning to trusted, official platforms to secure safe and reliable housing.
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