Dubai Police have warned residents about a wave of fake part-time job offers circulating on social media and messaging platforms, after a young man was drawn into a scheme that used his bank account to channel funds obtained through fraud.

The case came to light when investigators traced a series of suspicious transactions to an account held by a man referred to only as ‘S’. He had responded to an online advertisement promising a remote role with flexible hours and quick earnings. After being told he was preliminarily accepted, he received instructions from individuals claiming to represent an overseas financial services company. They asked him to open a bank account in his name, or to use an existing one, for what they described as administrative purposes.

Money was then deposited into the account, and ‘S’ was directed to forward the sums to other accounts in exchange for a fixed commission. He was told the transfers were part of processing client transactions and was promised ongoing work and a permanent position. When Dubai Police later called him in for questioning, he stated that he had believed he was carrying out legitimate duties and was unaware the funds were linked to a criminal network.

According to the force, such schemes typically begin with enticing messages that promise rapid income for simple tasks. Victims may later be asked to transfer money, pay registration or activation fees, or hand over personal and banking details. In some cases, accounts are exploited for fraudulent transactions entirely without the account holder’s knowledge. Police stressed that the true aim extends beyond stealing money to the theft of personal data and the use of bank accounts as tools for financial crime, which can expose the account holder to legal consequences.

Dubai Police urged job seekers to verify the legitimacy of any employer, to deal only with officially accredited institutions, and never to share banking information or transfer money in exchange for a job offer. Suspected fraud can be reported through the eCrime platform or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.