Abu Dhabi Police warns against fake advertisements that offer pets for sale

The Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) has warned the public about fake electronic advertisements selling pets and claiming to ship the animals from outside the UAE.

The advertisements, which are spread online and on social media, as well as on some buy and sell smart applications, instruct people to transfer money to bank accounts or via local and international money exchange companies registered in the country.

Major General Mohammed Suhail Al Rashidi, Director of ADP’s Criminal Security Sector, highlighted the keen efforts of the Abu Dhabi Police to raise awareness and combat fraudulent advertisements by encouraging the public to cooperate with the police and report such advertisements.

Methods of fraud have increased with the widespread use of social media, he added, noting that perpetrators usually take advantage of the need or desire of victims to obtain specific services and goods at competitive prices, through websites based outside the country or with the use of unregistered phone numbers.

He urged the public to report cases of fraud by visiting the nearest police station, contacting the 24-hour fully confidential Aman service, calling the free toll number 8002626 (AMAN2626), sending texts to 2828 or emails to aman@adpolice.ae, or using ADP’s smart application.