The UAE Ministry of Interior has warned residents about a rise in investment and online trading scams, urging the public to verify a platform’s credentials and licence before transferring funds or providing personal or banking information.

According to the ministry, fraudsters often use promises such as “quick profits”, “guaranteed returns” or “limited-time investment opportunities” to pressure victims into making immediate decisions and transferring money.

Another warning sign is a lack of transparent information about a company’s activities or how returns are generated. Requests for banking or personal information through unverified links, messages, websites or social media accounts should also be treated with caution.

UAE authorities stressed that a legitimate company or platform should not ask customers to transfer money immediately without giving them sufficient time to conduct checks, nor should it promise guaranteed profits.

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority also publishes a list of licensed companies on its official website. It advises investors to check not only a company’s name before conducting transactions, but also the exact type of licence it holds and the services it is authorised to provide. A company may be licensed to offer advice or introduce services but may not be authorised to execute trades or manage clients’ funds.

Abu Dhabi Police has also previously warned against fake accounts and advertisements encouraging users to make illegal investments in financial markets. It urged the public to verify the identity and credentials of providers through official sources before making any payments.

The UAE authorities’ main advice is simple: check the licence before investing, and do not be swayed by promises of guaranteed returns or pressure to make an immediate payment.