Dating At Your Own Risk

Описание: I've recently been in Dubai Eye 103.8 and had briefly talked about dating scams but wanted to talk more about it in-depth with you.

Overview of the Emerging Scam Patterns
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 & 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀: A common scam involves someone matching with you on Bumble or Tinder, or any other dating app, inviting you to a high-end restaurant or club. Individuals (often posing as romantic interests) lure victims to upscale venues, once there, they order excessively, sometimes with accomplices (waiters or staff), and leave abruptly, forcing the victim to pay bills ranging from AED 10,000-AED 25,000. These scams often feel friendly and flirtatious at first, but are premeditated setups.

𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀: Victims are emotionally groomed over weeks or months by scammers posing as wealthy professionals, military officers, or entrepreneurs (by using stolen photos, fake names, and fabricated backstories). They fabricate emergencies and request money transfers. One elderly European woman lost AED 12 million to a scammer who pretended to be a Dubai-based businessman.

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀: Scammers use stolen photos, fake bios, and newly created Instagram accounts to lure victims. They avoid videocalls, meetings, or sharing real-time selfies. Often, they love bomb early—excessive compliments, emotional declarations—to build trust quickly.

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗔𝗘
Cybercrime Laws on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021): Criminalises online impersonation, identity theft, and fraudulent digital activity. Penalties include imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000. Deportation is possible for expatriates convicted of such crimes.

Victims can file complaints through:
1. Dubai Police eCrime Portal
2. My Safe Society App
3. MoI (Ministry of Interior) App
4. Aman Service (Abu Dhabi

If the scam involves loss over AED 100,000, victims can file a report with the Financial Intelligence Department (FID) and/or use the Fraud Incident Reporting (FIR) form.

Victims can file a civil claim for financial loss and emotional distress. Courts may award damages if fraud is proven. Example: Abu Dhabi court awarded AED 7,000 for material and moral damages in an online scam.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Identity Theft & Impersonation): Creating fake profiles or impersonating someone online is punishable by Imprisonment up to 5 years and Fines up to AED 2 million.

Even if the scammer disappears, their digital footprint doesn’t. With the right legal and forensic support, victims can build a strong case. Many scammers operate outside the UAE, using Dubai’s reputation to lure victims. UAE authorities collaborate with Interpol and foreign cybercrime units to track and extradite offenders. Victims can benefit from international asset tracing and mutual legal assistance treaties.