The Rising Threat of Cyber Dating Fraud in UAE

Cyber dating fraud in UAE has emerged as a growing concern in the Emirates, with authorities reporting alarming increases in romance scams that are costing victims millions of dirhams. As the UAE's digital landscape continues to expand, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting online dating platforms to target unsuspecting residents seeking love and companionship.

Recent cases paint a disturbing picture of the problem's magnitude. In February 2025, an elderly European woman lost nearly Dh12 million after falling victim to a sophisticated romantic fraud scheme. The scammer, posing as a businessman in Dubai, emotionally manipulated her into selling all her assets and transferring the proceeds to him. Dubai Police's Brigadier Saeed Al Hajri described such crimes as "skinning the victims alive," emphasizing that these scams don't exclusively target women—men also fall prey, albeit at lower rates.​

The sophistication of cyber dating fraud in UAE has evolved significantly. Scammers create fake profiles on platforms like Tinder and Bumble, using attractive photos and carefully crafted personas to lure victims. In a particularly brazen variation uncovered in Dubai nightclubs, fraudsters orchestrate elaborate schemes where fake dates meet victims at specific venues, order expensive items, and then disappear—leaving targets with bills ranging from Dh3,000 to Dh10,000. When victims refuse to pay, they're sometimes threatened with police action, exploiting their unfamiliarity with local laws.​

Dubai Police have arrested multiple organized gangs involved in these operations. In 2020, authorities apprehended 47 members of 20 gangs from various African countries who used dating apps to lure and blackmail victims. These criminals would rent apartments with fake documents, steal victims' belongings including mobile phones and credit cards, and take compromising photos to prevent reporting to police.​

The financial impact is staggering. The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit estimated that domestic fund transfer fraud losses reached approximately Dh162 million in 2021, while international fraud accounted for Dh132 million. Abu Dhabi Police have recovered Dh140 million from online fraud cases over the past two years, handling 15,642 cybercrime cases. The UAE Cyber Security Council has revealed that cyberattacks targeting strategic sectors now exceed 200,000 daily.​

Legal protections under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 provide robust safeguards against cyber dating fraud UAE perpetrators. Article 11 stipulates that creating fake websites, online accounts, or emails while impersonating another person carries imprisonment and fines between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000. If fabricated accounts are used to defraud victims, offenders face a minimum of two years imprisonment. Identity theft penalties are even more severe, with fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh1 million, plus potential deportation for expatriates.​

Protecting yourself from cyber dating fraud UAE schemes requires vigilance and awareness. Dubai Police emphasize several red flags: professing love too quickly, refusing to meet in person despite long online relationships, requesting money for emergencies or business opportunities, and insisting on meeting at specific venues. Experts recommend never sending money to someone you've never met, conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, and verifying details about potential romantic interests through independent research.​

Major-General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police, warned that community members should exercise caution when chatting with unknown people on social media platforms or opening suspicious links. The force has launched educational campaigns through videos and social media to raise awareness about dating app dangers.​

Women have been particularly vulnerable, with some losing between Dh30,000 to Dh500,000 to fraudsters who fake romantic relationships. One British woman recounted how her Irish boyfriend forced her out of an apartment in Al Barari after she invested Dh500,000 as a down payment, only to discover the entire relationship was orchestrated to steal her money.​

The UAE government has responded with comprehensive measures. Abu Dhabi Police launched the "Be Careful" campaign covering nine key areas of cyber fraud, including romance scams, to strengthen community security. Residents can report cyber dating fraud UAE incidents through the eCrime portal at www.ecrime.ae, Abu Dhabi Police's Aman Service app, or by calling emergency numbers. Authorities stress that swift reporting enables faster investigation and potential recovery of stolen funds.​

As cyber dating fraud in UAE continues evolving with sophisticated tactics including AI-powered deepfakes and social engineering techniques, staying informed and cautious remains the best defense. The UAE's zero-tolerance policy toward cybercrime, combined with strict legal penalties and active law enforcement, aims to protect residents while deterring would-be scammers from targeting the Emirates' digital community.