The message looks real. It has the developer’s logo, your unit number and a polite note that the bank details have changed. It is a simple fraud, and it is easy to stop. Here is how the common Dubai property scams work, and the checks that stop them.
By Umer Shauket, Founder & CEO, Cresco Real Estate. RERA ORN 34288. Published 8 November 2026.
The short answer
- Off plan payments go into the project’s escrow account, which by law can only be used to build that project.
- The Dubai REST app shows your project’s escrow account number. Check it there, not in an email.
- Never pay a deposit to hold a rental or a unit until you have verified the broker, the owner and the property.
- Report suspected fraud to Dubai Police through their app or by calling 901.
How the common scams work
Changed bank details. An email or message tells you to send your next instalment to a new account. It is most convincing when it arrives around real news, such as a merger, a new phase or a payment plan change, because a change of details then sounds believable.
Fake listings. In June 2025, Dubai Police arrested a fake agent who posted rental listings at unusually low prices and asked for upfront deposits before cutting contact (Khaleej Times). Police said such acts are cyber fraud under UAE law.
Fake holiday rentals. In 2026, a Dubai resident lost Dh8,000 to a fake chalet booking, prompting a police warning (Khaleej Times).
Fake brokers and owners. Dubai Police have described scammers using fake IDs and tenancy contracts, showing units without the owner’s knowledge and collecting rent and commission before disappearing (Gulf News).
Why escrow is your best protection
Under Law No. 8 of 2007, off plan payments go into an escrow account opened in the project’s name, and that account is dedicated to building the project. The Dubai REST app shows buyers their project details, including the escrow account number and payments due. If a request does not match the account shown there, stop.
What this means for a buyer
Imagine you owe a 10% instalment of AED 180,000 next week and receive an email with new bank details. Paying the wrong account could mean that money is gone and your instalment is still unpaid. Under the law, a buyer who stops paying can face a default process. Five minutes of checking protects both.
The checks that stop it
- Check the escrow account number in the Dubai REST app or your registered sale agreement before every payment.
- Call the developer on a number from its official website, not one in the message, to confirm any change.
- Never pay a reservation or holding deposit to an individual’s account.
- Check that a broker is registered before you share documents or money.
- Be wary of prices well below the market and of pressure to pay today.
- If something feels wrong, report it to Dubai Police through their app or by calling 901.
Before you commit to any project, see our guide to checking a developer before you buy off plan.
The honest limits
No check removes every risk. Fraud methods change quickly, and this is general information, not legal advice. If you have already paid a suspicious account, contact your bank and Dubai Police immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Dubai off plan escrow account?
The Dubai Land Department’s Dubai REST app shows project details for buyers, including the escrow account number. Pay only into the escrow account shown there or in your registered agreement.
How do I report a property scam in Dubai?
Dubai Police say suspicious ads or fraud attempts can be reported through the Dubai Police app or by calling 901.
How can I tell if a Dubai broker is real?
The Dubai REST app gives details of registered real estate brokers. Dubai Police advise checking the broker, the company and the property before paying anything.
Sources: Khaleej Times, 29 June 2025; Khaleej Times, 2026; Gulf News, 8 April 2019; Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 on escrow accounts; Dubai Land Department, Dubai REST. General information, not legal advice.