Dubai RTA issues urgent warning over phishing scams targeting residents with fake traffic fines

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued an urgent public advisory after a rise in phishing scams targeting residents through fraudulent SMS messages and emails. The scams involve fraudsters impersonating official government entities and attempting to trick victims into paying nonexistent traffic fines.

According to the RTA, the messages typically claim that the recipient has an unpaid traffic violation, often for a small amount such as Dh50. The message then threatens that failure to make an immediate payment will result in a significantly higher penalty, sometimes Dh500 or more, or lead to legal consequences.

The primary aim of the scam is to pressure recipients into clicking on a malicious link. These links redirect victims to fake websites designed to closely resemble official government portals, where personal and banking details are stolen.

How residents can protect themselves

Authorities have stressed that the RTA and other government entities do not request payments or sensitive personal information through links sent in unsolicited messages. Residents are advised never to click on links included in unexpected SMS messages or emails.

Traffic fines and vehicle-related information should only be verified through official channels, including the RTA Dubai App, the Dubai Police App, or the official RTA website.

Checking the sender’s details can also help identify scams, as fraudulent messages often originate from unauthorized phone numbers or email addresses that mimic official accounts. Officials also warned against falling for messages that create a sense of urgency, noting that government bodies do not threaten immediate or disproportionate fine increases to pressure digital payments.

How to report phishing attempts

Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised not to respond or interact with them in any way. Phishing attempts and cybercrimes can be reported through the Dubai Police e-Crime portal or by calling 901 for non-emergency assistance.

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official platforms when making payments or sharing personal information.