People say it’s difficult to find a home in Dubai, but now it has become even more challenging as some expats are becoming victims of rental scams. Scammers pretending to be agents are cheating expats and making them pay for apartments that do not exist. After sending money, the so-called agent goes away, leaving renters frustrated, helpless, and out of cash.
How the Scam Works
In most cases, these criminals put up false rentals on popular websites or even on social networking sites such as Facebook. These advertisements normally indicate beautiful apartments in well-structured communities with enticing pricing plans that you can hardly resist.
To create a sense of urgency, the fake agent will say something like “many people are interested” or “send a small deposit now to reserve the place.”
Victims are asked to send token money, usually between AED 300 to AED 2,800, just to “secure” a viewing, or “lock” the deal. People usually pay via internet banking or bank applications and as the agents get the money, they become unresponsive or simply disappear. The apartment does not exist, or somebody has already rented it.
Real Expats Stories
A couple of the victims sent their stories in the most recent article of The Khaleej Times report:
- A dental assistant who saw an advert for a low-rent apartment in Bur Dubai parted with AED 500. The agent vanished sometime after the payment was given.
- A Tunisian expat lost AED 300 for a fake listing and another AED 1,000 for a second fake deal. She never got her money back.
- A Filipino lady was about to get scammed but she luckily sensed the red flags during a virtual tour. She backed off before going ahead to send money.
- Another expat, a digital marketer, paid AED 2,800 for a shared apartment only to realize that there were already six occupants who had moved into a two-bedroom apartment. She was promised the key, which never arrived.
These are just a few of many cases happening in Dubai’s fast-moving rental market.
The Reason Why It Is Happening
As prices of rents are going up and the demand is increasing, individuals face difficulty in securing affordable apartments. Scammers are well-aware of this situation and exploit desperate expats and professionals who have just moved to the city. These bogus agents are usually trusted very easily by expats who are not very acquainted with the real estate laws of Dubai.
How to Protect Yourself
Dubai Police and real estate experts have revealed how not to be the victims of these frauds:
- You should never send any token money until you have seen the property in person.
- Request the RERA license number of the agent and verify it on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) web page.
- Make sure to do business with a legitimate real estate firm and not with people labeling themselves as independent agents.
- Always demand the property title deed or proof of ownership.
- Keep yourself on the legal side by using a legal tenancy contract that is registered with Ejari.
- Never rush in making a decision. When it is too good to be true, chances are high that it is not true.
- Report suspicious activity to Dubai Police by calling 901 or by accessing the Dubai Police mobile app.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
In case you have already paid and the agent has disappeared, gather all proof: chat screenshots, receipts, and the listing information. Report to the police immediately. It is also possible to inform the Dubai Land Department about the fraud and make an attempt to block the phone number or social account of the scammer.
Key Takeaways
Dubai remains a fantastic city for living and working, but you should be careful when selecting a house. Don’t let the urgency cloud your judgement. Be patient, cross-check all the details, and make sure that you are working with certified professionals. If you have just moved to Dubai and are searching for a place to call home, visit Times Homes Real Estate to browse the best available options. Whether you are looking for an apartment, or a villa, they have all the details and information to assist you.
