UAE authorities have officially launched a probe into a sophisticated criminal network responsible for a widespread SMS-based fraud scheme. The gang targeted unsuspecting residents by sending deceptive text messages that claimed to offer discounted settlements for minor toll gate traffic fines, sometimes as low as Dh4. Once victims clicked the embedded links and entered their financial details, the scammers gained unauthorized access to their bank accounts, leading to significant monetary losses. Following a spike in reports—including 29 cases in Dubai alone—investigators traced the operation to a residential base in Ajman, where they apprehended a suspect and seized 22 point-of-sale devices used to process the illicit transactions.

The investigation uncovered that the local operation was merely one piece of a broader criminal enterprise coordinated by a mastermind based outside the country. This individual allegedly funneled stolen card data to the local accomplices, who utilized shell companies and fraudulent bank accounts in Sharjah and Ajman to launder the stolen funds. As the investigation continues, officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and ignore unsolicited text messages asking for payment information. Residents are reminded to verify all traffic-related fines exclusively through verified government channels to avoid falling victim to these evolving digital scams.