Fake Ticket Scam 2025 During High Season: Dubai Police Warn Public

Thursday, December 25, 2025 | Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 6:17 PM] 

Dubai Police have issued a strong warning to residents and visitors as fake ticket scam surge during the high season. Moreover, it is targeting people who are eager to attend concerts, entertainment events, sporting activities, and travel experiences across the UAE. However, the advisory comes amid increasing reports of fraudsters exploiting high demand and limited ticket availability.

Dubai Police Issue Fresh Warning Under #BewareOfFraud Campaign

The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation has issued the alert as a part of the ongoing campaign of Dubai Police, i.e, #BewareOfFraud awareness campaign. Moreover, authorities say scammers are actively setting up fake websites and unverified social media accounts that claim to sell tickets for popular events and travel, many of which do not exist.

Surprisingly, these fake platforms often copy the names, logos, or branding of well-known organisers and ticketing companies to appear trustworthy. Therefore, it is misleading users into thinking they are real. 

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How the Fake Ticket Scam Works?

According to Dubai Police, victims are usually asked to transfer money directly to a bank account or digital wallet or enter bank card details on fake or cloned payment pages. Later, buyers realise that no ticket was issued in most cases, or worse, unauthorised changes are made to their accounts. 

Industry experts have also highlighted advanced tactics used by scammers. Cosmin Ivan, CEO of a Middle East-based ticketing platform, noted to the Khaleej Times that the biggest red flag is often the payment flow. Fake sites might push you toward wallet transfers, cloned payment gateways, or manipulate OTP approvals, where you believe you are authorising a small charge but end up approving a much larger amount.

Fraudsters are also known to register lookalike domains just days before major concerts or ticket presales. Moreover, they offer urgent discounts of 50 to 70 per cent for events that are sold out or not officially announced. 

Dubai Police Safety Advice for Residents

Dubai Police have requested the public to take the following precautions:

• Buy tickets only from official organiser websites or approved ticketing platforms
• Carefully check website URLs for spelling errors or unusual domain endings
• Avoid deals that are significantly cheaper than standard market prices
• Use secure payment methods and never rush into transactions due to pressure tactics

Authorities have highlighted that urgency, fear of missing out (FOMO), and limited-time offers are commonly used to trap victims. Hence, you should avoid falling into such traps. 

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How to Report Fake Ticket Scams in Dubai

Residents who encounter suspicious websites, fake ticket platforms, or attempted scams are urged to report them immediately. Below are the ways in which you can report such incidents:

• The Dubai Police smart app
• Calling 901 for non-emergency police assistance
• The eCrime platform for reporting cybercrime

Besides reporting such incidents, it would also be best to stay alert while making an online purchase of tickets. 

Stay Alert During Peak Event Season

Currently, Dubai is hosting major concerts, sporting events, and travel peaks throughout the year. Therefore, the Dubai Police has reminded the public that vigilance is the best defence against fraud. Therefore, it would be best to verify sources and avoid unofficial sellers to prevent financial loss and identity theft. 

Authorities request everyone to stay alert, informed, and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to help keep the digital space of the  United Arab Emirates (UAE) safe as the high season continues. Remember, reporting such incidents will help you recover the loss and protect others from falling into such traps. 

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