Top 10 Scams in Dubai and how to avoid them

Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting over 16 million visitors in 2019 alone. Its glitzy hotels, world-famous malls, and lively nightlife make it a magnet for travelers from around the globe. However, as with any major travel hotspot, Dubai also draws its fair share of scammers looking to take advantage of unwary tourists. Being aware of the most common scams can help you avoid becoming a victim during your Dubai vacation.

Don’t let these 10 common Dubai scams ruin your trip:

1. Fake Hotel Scam:

• Spot: You arrive at your hotel only to find it doesn’t exist.
• React: Contact your booking provider immediately to assist with alternate arrangements.
• Avoid: Only book accommodations through trusted channels like hotel sites or a reputable travel agent.

2. Overpriced Desert Safaris:

• Spot: Operators quote vastly inflated prices for dune bashing, meals and activities.
• React: Negotiate firmly and be ready to walk away rather than overpay.
• Avoid: Book with well-reviewed companies and confirm all inclusions in writing beforehand.

3. Rigged Taxi Meters:

• Spot: The meter races faster than the car or shows an unreasonable total.
• React: Pay only the correct metered fare and snap a photo of the tampered meter.
• Avoid: Book Uber or Careem taxis through their apps to avoid rigged meters.

4. Money Exchange Rip-offs:

• Spot: Street touts or shady exchanges promise amazing rates but switch money or give counterfeits.
• React: Refuse to hand over money until you’ve verified exchanged notes are genuine.
• Avoid: Change money only at licensed exchange counters inside malls, hotels or the airport.

5. Shopping Bait-and-Switch:

• Spot: The item delivered differs from what was promised or initially shown.
• React: Reject the switch, escalate to management and threaten to notify authorities.
• Avoid: Examine merchandise closely and get all details in writing before purchasing.

6. Free Prize Scams:

• Spot: You must sit through a lengthy sales pitch to claim an improbable freebie.
• React: Walk away rather than waste time listening to manipulative sales spiels.
• Avoid: Disregard offers of free gifts for attending dubious “seminars.”

7. Spiked Drinks:

• Spot: Your beverage has an odd taste or you feel groggy after a few sips.
• React: Seek immediate medical help if you suspect you’ve been drugged.
• Avoid: Don’t accept drinks you didn’t order or see prepared. Never leave drinks unattended.

8. Fake Police Scam:

• Spot: Someone dressed as a cop demands to check your wallet for counterfeit cash.
• React: Request ID and verify their identity before complying with any demands.
• Avoid: Never surrender your wallet or money to any stranger.

9. WiFi Hotspot Scams:

• Spot: Public WiFi requires entering financial data or downloads strange files.
• React: Immediately disconnect from dubious networks and run antivirus scans.
• Avoid: Never access financial or other sensitive data over public hotspots. Use a VPN.

10. Visa Scams:

• Spot: Someone requests your passport, then disappears or says there’s a sudden visa problem.
• React: Contact authorities immediately if your passport is taken. Report visa scams.
• Avoid: Only use trusted agencies. Apply directly through official channels whenever possible.

How to Get Help:

• Contact the Dubai Police via the number 901/999.
• Check with your embassy if you require assistance or need to file a formal complaint.

Make sure to check out our other scam guides.

Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and safeguard your valuables to minimize scam risk when visiting Dubai. Don’t let con artists ruin your trip!