If it happens: what to do, step by step

Anyone can be scammed, including adults who work in banking and security. What matters is acting quickly, in the right order, without shame. Speed gives your bank the best chance of stopping the money.

Step 1: Stop and secure your money

• Stop all contact with the scammer. Do not send more money, even if they promise a refund or threaten you.
• Contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card or in the official app, and ask them to block the card and try to stop or reverse the payment (FTC, Take Five).
• Tell the bank exactly what happened, including the date, time, amount and where the money went. Ask for a reference number.
• If you paid by another method, such as a payment app or money transfer service, contact that company straight away and say it was a scam (FTC).
• If unexpected money arrived in your account as part of the scam, do not move it. Report it to your bank (Khaleej Times, 2025).

Step 2: Lock down your accounts

• If you shared a password, change it on that account and any account that uses the same password (NCSC).
• Check your email for forwarding rules you did not set, then log out of all devices and turn on 2-step verification (NCSC).
• If you shared UAE Pass or Emirates ID details, tell your bank and your mobile provider so they can watch for SIM swap or new accounts.
• If you installed something or clicked a link, run a security scan (NCSC).
• Warn your friends and contacts if your social or gaming account was taken over (NCSC).

Step 3: Keep the evidence

• Take screenshots of messages, profiles, websites, adverts, receipts and emails, and note any unusual transactions (Emirates 24|7, describing Dubai Police eCrime Hub advice).
• Write down the scammer's phone number, username, profile link, website address and any bank account details they gave you.
• Do not delete the chat or block the person until you have saved the evidence.
• Never reply to suspicious messages to 'test' them (Emirates 24|7, describing Dubai Police advice).

Step 4: Report it in the UAE

• Dubai: the Dubai Police eCrime service (ecrime.ae, also reached through the Dubai Police website and app) takes cybercrime and fraud reports. Dubai Police also run an awareness hub at ecrimehub.gov.ae (Emirates 24|7; Khaleej Times).
• Dubai Police non-emergency line 901 handles general enquiries, complaints and follow-ups (Dubai Media Office). Dubai Police have also asked people to report scam messages and unexpected transfers to 901 (Gulf News; Khaleej Times).
• Abu Dhabi: the Abu Dhabi Police Aman service, on toll-free 8002626 or online through 'Submit Aman case' at aman.adpolice.gov.ae (Abu Dhabi Police website).
• Anywhere in the UAE: the Ministry of Interior's eCrimes platform in the MOI UAE app, the federal Public Prosecution's My Safe Society app, or your nearest police station. In an emergency or if you are in danger, call 999 (UAE Government portal).
• Also report the scam account or advert on the platform where you found it.

Step 5: Tell someone, and watch for a second scam

• Tell a parent or trusted adult. The FTC recommends talking to someone you trust, and adults can help you speak to the bank and police.
• Being scammed is not a sign of stupidity. Scams are designed by professionals to exploit normal feelings like trust, fear and hope.
• Beware of 'recovery' scams: people who contact you offering to get your money back for a fee. The FTC says never pay upfront for help getting a refund.
• Government agencies and legitimate organisations will never ask for money to help you get a refund (FTC).
• If you feel anxious or low afterwards, talk about it. It is a normal reaction, and support from family, a school counsellor or a doctor can help.