A recent study conducted by Insight Discovery and Compare Wealth Managers has revealed a shift in public perception across the UAE, with telemarketing and call center services now officially ranked as the least trusted profession. Surveying over 1,000 residents, the findings show that 16% of participants view telemarketers as the most untrustworthy, pushing social media influencers—who previously held the top spot—into second place at 12.7%. Other industries, such as credit card providers, real estate agents, and recruitment firms, also faced significant scrutiny, reflecting a broader climate of skepticism toward aggressive sales and marketing tactics in the region.

The report also shed light on the financial sector, where independent financial advisers were viewed more critically than their counterparts working within established banks. While wealth managers received a relatively lower negative ranking at 4.7%, industry experts warn that firms cannot afford to be complacent. Leaders in the sector emphasized that recent financial scandals serve as a stark reminder for consumers to conduct thorough due diligence. They urged residents to verify the regulatory credentials of any firm they engage with and to remain wary of unrealistic financial promises, stressing that transparency and client-first practices are vital to regaining the public's confidence.