Beware of Fraudulent Emails Impersonating Dubai Municipality Services
Dubai Municipality is warning residents about scammers posing as municipal employees and field inspectors. These fraudsters send fake messages about "inspections" or "violations and fines" to steal personal information from unsuspecting people.
The fake messages usually come through bogus support accounts on social media apps or email. They include suspicious links or ask people to share personal or official information. The municipality stressed that people should never respond to these messages or deal with anyone impersonating their staff.
Here's what makes this particularly concerning: the scammers are getting more sophisticated. They're creating convincing-looking messages that mimic official communications. But there are ways to protect yourself.
The municipality wants people to verify any suspicious messages through their official hotline at 800900. You can also check messages through the official DubaiMunicipality smart app. Never share copies of documents, identity data, or transaction details unless you're absolutely sure you're dealing with real municipal staff.
There's another important security tip here. Don't use public Wi-Fi networks when accessing municipal services online. That means no logging into municipal accounts or making payments while connected to networks at shopping malls or cafes. Stick to your home network or mobile data instead. Public networks make it easier for unauthorized people to access your data.
The municipality says it only provides services through verified and approved channels. So if someone contacts you claiming to be from the municipality, take a moment to verify their identity through official channels before taking any action.
This warning comes as digital scams keep evolving and getting more convincing. Dubai Municipality says it's committed to educating the community about these changing fraud tactics. They're also asking people to report any suspicious attempts immediately to help protect other residents and keep everyone's data safe.
Sara Khaled