How to Spot and Avoid Property Scams in the UAE

Most property transactions in the UAE are safe, but scams do happen, especially through social media and messaging apps. These habits will protect you. Warning signs - Prices far below similar properties in the same area. - Pressure to pay a deposit immediately "before someone else takes it". - An agent who avoids viewings, video calls, or official documents. - Requests to transfer money to a personal account with an unrelated name. Verify before you pay anything 1. Confirm the broker and agency are officially registered in the emirate, and ask for the broker's card or permit number. 2. Verify the property and advertiser through the official channels available in your emirate where possible. 3. Insist on viewing the property in person, or send someone you trust. 4. Make payments only against a signed agreement, to the agency or landlord named in the documents, and keep receipts. Stay on trusted channels Search on AqarOS where companies and brokers have platform profiles, contact them through the listing, and keep your communication documented. Never share one-time passwords or full card details with anyone claiming to "hold" a property for you. If something feels wrong, slow down. A legitimate deal will survive a day of verification; a scam usually will not.