Dubai Police Warn Residents About Social Media Risks and Online Fraud

Dubai Police have stepped up efforts to protect the community, issuing warnings about the increasing dangers posed by social media misuse. The advisories, directed at families, teenagers, and residents, highlight how online platforms are being exploited in ways that threaten personal safety and financial security.

Authorities have expressed particular concern about the rise of so-called deadly social media challenges, which encourage risky and sometimes life-threatening behaviour among children and adolescents. Dubai Police reported that these trends often involve actions such as skull breaking, choking, breath-holding, and other reckless practices. The force noted that participants often seek excitement or online attention without fully understanding the consequences, and similar challenges in other countries have already led to serious injuries and fatalities.

Dubai Police stressed the importance of parental supervision and communication. Parents and guardians are urged to educate children about the dangers of mimicking harmful content online and to monitor their social media activity closely. Families are encouraged to discuss the risks of peer pressure and the pursuit of online popularity openly with their children.

The police also called on the public to report dangerous or inappropriate behaviour. Residents can contact the Dubai Police through the call centre at 901 or use the ‘Police Eye’ service available on the Dubai Police smart application.

In addition to social media dangers, Dubai Police warned residents about fraudulent recruitment advertisements circulating online. The Anti-Fraud Centre, part of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said scammers are posing as recruitment services for domestic workers and auxiliary staff to illegally obtain money from unsuspecting residents.

The centre advised residents seeking domestic help to use only licensed and accredited recruitment offices in the UAE and to avoid transferring funds to individuals or organizations outside official legal channels. Authorities emphasized that following approved procedures protects the rights of employers, workers, and recruitment agencies alike.

These warnings form part of Dubai Police’s ongoing #BewareofFraud campaign, which aims to raise public awareness of evolving criminal tactics. The campaign encourages residents to verify the legitimacy of service providers before sharing personal information or making payments and to report any suspicious activity promptly. Reports can be submitted via the Dubai Police smart application, the eCrime platform for cybercrime complaints, or by contacting the 901 call centre for non-emergency matters.

Dubai Police officials said that as digital engagement continues to grow, vigilance and awareness are crucial to maintaining public safety and safeguarding the community from both physical harm and financial loss.