Dubai Police has detained a scammer over posting fraudulent adverts on websites and social media that offered rental apartments at attractive prices, the force said on Sunday.
Dubai Police said the scammer, who was not named, targeted individuals seeking housing by asking them to transfer money as a deposit or initial payment to secure their booking.
After receiving the funds, the scammer would vanish without fulfilling any obligations.
The move came as part of the "be aware of fraud" campaign overseen by Dubai Police's anti-fraud centre within the General Department of Criminal Investigation.
No further details about the incident were disclosed.
The issue of fake adverts and its toll on residents has been repeatedly highlighted by The National.
It was reported in 2022 that fake adverts posted on marketplace websites have cost UAE residents tens of thousands of dirhams in a series of scams offering luxury apartments that do not exist for rent.
Renters who responded to adverts made payments by money exchanges or cryptocurrency portals.
Dubai Police, meanwhile, urged the public to report suspicious ads or fraud attempts immediately through the Dubai Police app or by calling 901.
People are also urged to refrain from sending money until they have verified the landlord's identity and property ownership, and to formalise contracts through official and approved channels.
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Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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Dos
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Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.
The trip
The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.
The hotel
There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.
Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km
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Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah
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2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment
2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment
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1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 65 69 65 69 - 12-under-par
2. Matt Kuchar (USA) 65 71 66 69 - 9-under
3. Li Haotong (CHN) 69 73 69 63 - 6-under
T4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 71 68 69 67 - 5-under
T4. Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67 73 67 68 - 5-under
T6. Marc Leishman (AUS) 69 76 66 65 - 4-under
T6. Matthew Southgate (ENG) 72 72 67 65 - 4-under
T6. Brooks Koepka (USA) 65 72 68 71 - 4-under
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U18 Age Group
Name: Ahmed Salam (Malaga)
Position: Right Wing
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Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
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MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')
Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)
