Sharjah—Sharjah Police have successfully dismantled a cyber-fraud network and arrested 13 individuals suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated “fake rent” scam targeting residents.
The group, reportedly consisting of Asian nationals, allegedly tricked victims through online property listings, coordinated meetings, and fraudulent contracts, before stealing money and transferring it abroad. Authorities identified seven major centres where the scam was actively operated.
The suspects would post enticing rental advertisements, contact potential tenants, and arrange property visits. Once a victim showed interest, they were asked to provide cash tokens and sign agreements that appeared legitimate. Following the transactions, the suspects would vanish, leaving the victims defrauded.
Colonel Dr Khalifa Balhayi, Director of the Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, shared that the investigation began after a victim reported being deceived through a fake real estate advertisement.
“The victim contacted the fraudsters, paid the requested amount, and signed the documents, only to find communication blocked and the suspects gone,” he explained.
Despite the gang’s attempts to evade detection by frequently changing phone numbers and employing other tactics, the officers successfully traced their activities. Sharjah Police relied on advanced digital monitoring and analytical capabilities to track the network and arrest all members.
Colonel Omar Ahmed Bwalzoud, Director General of Criminal Security and Ports, highlighted that the suspects operated with defined roles within the network.
He attributed the success of the operation to the combination of experience, skills, and technological tools used by Sharjah’s criminal investigators. The field teams were lauded for their dedication, while leadership leveraged cutting-edge methods to ensure public safety.
Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance when engaging with online property listings. Residents are urged to verify the authenticity of advertisements and confirm the credibility of property owners on websites and social media platforms before making payments.
“Refrain from transferring any amount or signing contracts without confirming the legitimacy of the offer and the involved parties,” Sharjah Police warned. Community awareness is considered the first line of defence against such crimes, the authorities added.
This operation underscores a growing trend in cyber-fraud cases involving online real estate scams, where criminals exploit the digital marketplace to deceive unsuspecting tenants. With online transactions increasingly common, law enforcement agencies continue to stress the need for precaution and due diligence.
The successful dismantling of this network reflects the UAE authorities’ commitment to tackling cybercrime, safeguarding residents, and maintaining trust in online services. Sharjah Police continue to monitor digital platforms and encourage residents to report suspicious activities immediately.
By combining technology, expertise, and community awareness, law enforcement is making strides in preventing similar fraud schemes and protecting the public from significant financial losses.
Residents are encouraged to remain cautious, cross-check listings, and consult official channels when engaging in rental agreements, ensuring that such cyber-fraud schemes are effectively curtailed in the future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members