When a dream car turns into a scam: Sharjah Police issue fraud alert

Sharjah: It began with a late-night scroll — a glowing phone screen, a rush of excitement, and the promise of a dream within reach.

A brand-new car. Gleaming photos. A price too good to ignore — Dh30,000.

The advert looked perfect: polished, convincing, and urgent. The seller replied instantly, warning that “many people are interested” and that the first to send the deposit would get the deal. It was a classic pressure tactic — act fast, think later.

The transfer went through. Relief followed. Then silence.

Calls went unanswered. Messages were ignored. Finally, the familiar automated voice confirmed the worst: “The mobile phone you have dialled is switched off.”

The dream vanished. The car never existed. What seemed like an exciting opportunity turned out to be a well-crafted scam — one of many fake online ads spreading across social media and classified sites.

Sharjah Police issue public warning

Sharjah Police have released a public warning video highlighting a surge in fake online adverts — especially those offering high-value items such as cars and electronics at unrealistically low prices.

The message is clear: not every great deal is genuine, and misplaced trust can be costly.

“These seemingly attractive offers are often a trap,” police warned. “They target those who fail to verify or ask questions before engaging.”

According to officers, scammers have become more sophisticated, designing adverts that manipulate emotion rather than logic — turning desire into vulnerability.

Inside the ‘clever trap’

Sharjah Police say most fraudulent adverts follow a familiar pattern built around three key elements:

1. A Tempting Dream – The promise of something valuable at a fraction of its real price.

2. A Symbolic Price – A figure so low it overrides doubt and sparks instant interest.

3. Flashy Photos – Professional images and convincing details that create a sense of legitimacy.

“Fake ads don’t begin with lies — they begin with dreams, cheap prices, and attractive pictures,” police noted.

The goal is simple: bypass logic and appeal to emotion. Victims are not just buying a product — they’re buying the feeling of getting something extraordinary for less.

‘Verify before you trust’

A Sharjah police officer explained that scammers exploit two major weaknesses — excessive trust and lack of verification.

“The victim is the one who didn’t verify and didn’t ask,” he said.

Many people, lured by attractive prices, skip basic checks — such as asking to view the item, confirming ownership, or verifying the seller’s identity.

The warning is blunt:

“Excessive trust can cost you dearly. Do not give it to any advertisement.”

Once money changes hands, communication usually stops. The fraudster vanishes, leaving behind financial loss and regret — proof that the scam began not with deception, but with misplaced faith.

The real defence: Awareness

Sharjah Police stress that awareness is the best protection. Scammers will keep adapting, but critical thinking and caution remain the strongest defence.

The public is urged to:

• Question any deal that seems “too good to be true.”

• Always verify before trusting, no matter how convincing an ad looks.

• Report suspicious offers immediately by calling 80040.