UAE authorities have issued a fresh warning as holiday ticket scams increase during the Christmas and New Year season. Officials say fraudsters are actively targeting residents through fake online advertisements, social media promotions and deceptive websites designed to look like trusted brands.
With demand rising for concerts, travel bookings, festive events and special holiday offers, scammers are using this period to trick people into sharing personal details or making payments for services that do not exist.
How these scams work
Authorities explain that scammers often promote unrealistically cheap deals for concerts, festivals, hotel stays and travel packages. These offers usually appear through sponsored search ads, fake social media pages or cloned websites that closely resemble official platforms.
Once users click on these links, they may be asked to enter credit card details, OTP codes or personal information, which is then misused for financial fraud or identity theft.
Why festive seasons are high-risk
Law enforcement officials note that holiday periods create urgency and excitement, making people less cautious when booking last-minute plans. Scammers exploit this by creating time-limited offers that pressure users into quick decisions without proper verification.
The rise of advanced digital tools has also made fake advertisements more convincing, increasing the risk for unsuspecting buyers.
Official safety advice for residents
UAE authorities have urged residents to follow basic precautions:
- Purchase tickets only from official organisers or authorised platforms
- Double-check website addresses and spelling errors
- Avoid deals that seem significantly cheaper than market prices
- Never share banking details, passwords or OTPs
- Report suspicious activity immediately through official channels
Officials stress that even well-designed websites or professional-looking ads can be fake.
Growing focus on digital awareness
Authorities are continuing digital awareness campaigns to educate the public about online fraud risks. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, especially during busy holiday periods when scam activity traditionally increases.
By staying alert and verifying sources, residents can protect themselves from financial loss and personal data misuse.
Final takeaway
As festive celebrations approach, UAE residents are advised to remain cautious and informed. Avoid rushing into online purchases, verify all offers carefully, and rely only on trusted and verified platforms to stay safe from holiday ticket scams.
