Dubai Police Issue Urgent Warning: AI-Generated Fake Documents Fueling Fraud
Dubai Police have issued a critical public alert about a surge in sophisticated fraud involving artificial intelligence (AI)-generated forged documents. Criminals are using AI to create convincing fake contracts, certificates, and authorization letters, distributing them via email and social media to scam individuals and businesses.
The Growing Threat of AI-Powered Forgery
In a statement on January 13, 2026, the Anti-Fraud Centre warned that these AI-fabricated documents are designed to look highly professional, making them difficult to distinguish from genuine paperwork. Scammers use them to facilitate financial fraud, bypass legal checks, and trick victims into fake deals or sharing sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself: Verification is Key
As part of the #BewareofFraud campaign, authorities stress that appearance alone is unreliable. Key verification steps include:
Confirm the sender’s identity through independent, trusted channels.
Check digital file metadata (creation/modification dates) for inconsistencies.
Validate official reference numbers directly with the issuing agency.
Look for subtle red flags like incorrect wording or mismatched templates.
Severe Legal Penalties Under UAE Law
Creating or using forged documents is a serious crime with strict consequences:
Forging Official Documents: Up to 10 years imprisonment (Federal Penal Code).
Using Forged Documents: Up to 5 years imprisonment.
Forging Electronic Documents: Imprisonment and fines from Dh150,000 to Dh750,000 for government documents; Dh100,000 to Dh300,000 for others (Cybercrime Law).
How to Report Suspected Fraud
If you encounter a suspected fake document or scam, report it immediately via:
The Dubai Police smart app.
Calling 901.
The official eCrime platform.
Prompt reporting helps authorities track criminal patterns and prevent further victimization.
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A Call for Vigilance in the Digital Age
This warning highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime, where AI tools are weaponized for deception. Dubai Police emphasize that public awareness and proactive verification are the first lines of defense. Residents and organizations are urged to stay informed, educate their networks, and always verify official communications through direct, trusted sources.
By combining caution with the robust legal framework, the community can help safeguard against this growing technological threat.