UAE: Too good to be true? Sharjah Police warn of 'dream car' scams targeting buyers and sellers online

In a sharp warning to the public, Sharjah Police have exposed a rising wave of highly orchestrated online vehicle scams targeting both buyers and sellers. The frauds, which prey on emotions and override logical decision-making, have led to significant financial losses across the UAE. As part of their response, Sharjah Police released an official awareness video cautioning residents to verify every step and report suspicious activity without delay.

العروض المغرية ليست دومًا فرصًا حقيقية أحيانًا، تكون فخًا بانتظار ضحاياه ، لا ترسل أي مبالغ قبل التحقق من صحة الإعلان، وبلّغ فورًا عن الاحتيال عبر الرقم 80040#أمن_الشارقة#شرطة_الشارقة#shjpolice#مجتمع_آمن_وشرطة_رائدة pic.twitter.com/24Sn270VeH

— شرطة الشارقة (@ShjPolice) October 12, 2025

How the scam works: A "dream car" that disappears after the deposit
The fraudulent scheme typically begins on popular classified platforms or social media, where visually polished ads present luxury or desirable vehicles at prices far below market value. The low price point is not accidental—it is designed to sidestep skepticism and provoke emotional decisions.

Victims report being lured by high-quality car images, quick responses from the "seller," and urgent messaging claiming other buyers are interested. This pressure, often phrased as "first to pay gets the car," manipulates urgency, pushing the buyer to act without verifying the offer.

Once a deposit is transferred, communication ceases. Calls and messages go unanswered, and the advertisement vanishes. In nearly all cases, the car is non-existent, and the fraudster is unreachable.

According to Sharjah Police, the scam is structured around a pattern of psychological triggers:

• A Tempting Dream – A product that feels out of reach is suddenly available at an irresistible price;
  
• A Symbolic Price – So low it suspends disbelief and encourages rapid action;
  
• Flashy Photos – Professional visuals add legitimacy to the fake listing.
  
  

Police stress that this tactic isn’t random—it’s a deliberate attempt to bypass logic and exploit emotional vulnerability. Victims aren’t just deceived; they’re manipulated into self-convincing belief.

Sellers also targeted: Fake payments and forged documents used to steal vehicles
In a separate but connected criminal scheme, sellers of vehicles have also become victims. A criminal gang, recently apprehended by Sharjah Police, targeted private sellers through platforms where vehicles are listed for sale.

The perpetrators would express interest, make an attractive offer, and follow up with a falsified payment receipt claiming that funds had been transferred and were awaiting deposit. Using forged identification and persuasive communication, the scammers would convince the seller to hand over the car, believing the payment was in progress.

In reality, no money was ever transferred, and by the time the scam is uncovered, the vehicle is gone.

This variation of the scam highlights how both buyers and sellers are vulnerable in digital transactions—particularly in unregulated online environments where identity and payment verification are minimal or entirely absent.

The real defence: Verification, caution, and critical thinking
To combat this rising threat, Sharjah Police are calling on the public to remain alert and follow essential verification steps before engaging in any online vehicle transactions .

For buyers:

• View the vehicle in person before making any financial commitment;
  
• Request and inspect ownership documents;
  
• Verify the identity of the seller, including matching ID to vehicle registration;
  
• Be cautious of suspiciously low prices, especially those paired with pressure tactics.
  
  

For sellers:

• Do not release the vehicle until payment is confirmed and cleared in your bank account;
  
• Treat all payment confirmations and receipts as suspect until verified with your bank;
  
• Be wary of buyers using urgency or false documentation to push early handovers.
  
  

For all users:

• Sharjah Police encourage anyone who encounters a suspicious listing or request to report it immediately by calling 80040, the designated hotline for such fraud cases.
  
  

Authorities Take Action: Public Warnings and Swift Arrests
In response to the increasing frequency of these crimes, Sharjah Police have intensified public awareness campaigns, including the release of an official video outlining the key tactics scammers use. These efforts aim to educate the public about how modern frauds rely more on emotional manipulation than obvious deception.

A senior police officer explained that many victims “failed to verify and didn’t ask”, emphasizing that excessive trust and lack of due diligence are the two main vulnerabilities exploited.

Police have also acted swiftly in high-profile cases. In one instance, a criminal group running an online car scam was arrested within just 12 hours. This shows the authorities’ strong commitment to curbing economic crimes in the digital space.