As Eid Al Adha approaches, authorities in Dubai are warning residents against fraudulent online offers promoting heavily discounted sacrificial animals amid rising seasonal demand.
Dubai Police launched a public awareness campaign cautioning that scammers are taking advantage of increased Eid-related shopping activity by advertising fake livestock deals on social media platforms and messaging apps.
The police said many of these offers appear attractive and legitimate but are actually scams designed to steal money from unsuspecting buyers.
“Some deals might look too good to pass on, but sometimes, they’re actually carefully designed scams,” Dubai Police said.
The warning comes as demand for sacrificial animals increases ahead of Eid Al Adha, a period when online advertisements and buying activity typically surge.
Authorities noted that fraudsters exploit this peak season by targeting residents searching for cheaper Eid sacrifices.
Dubai Police advised the public to take precautionary steps before making any online purchases, including verifying the authenticity of sellers and social media accounts, avoiding unusually low prices, dealing only with licensed livestock suppliers, and refusing to send payments to personal bank accounts.
The agency also emphasized the importance of using secure payment methods and transacting only through trusted platforms.
“Stay alert — your awareness is your first line of defense,” the police added, reminding residents that vigilance is key to avoiding online fraud during Eid preparations.
