How to avoid fake property listings in Dubai
Most Dubai property scams aimed at buyers in India follow the same pattern: an attractive price, urgency, and a request for a token payment. Here is how to spot one and how to check any listing yourself.
Warning signs
The price is far below the area average
Compare with our area prices. A home offered well under what similar homes sell for is the most common hook.
There is no permit number or QR code
Legal Dubai property adverts must show a Trakheesi permit and a Madmoun QR code. Missing means unapproved.
The permit details do not match
The QR code opens a permit card. A different company, a different property or an expired permit is a red flag.
You are pushed to pay today
Pressure to send a token amount before a viewing or before documents is a classic tactic.
Payment goes to a personal account
Genuine deposits go to a company account, a trustee or a project escrow account.
The agent avoids a live viewing
Ask for a live video walkthrough. Excuses about the owner being abroad or keys being unavailable are common in scams.
The photos appear elsewhere
Run a reverse image search. Scam listings often reuse photos from other adverts or developer brochures.
The seller cannot show ownership
For a resale home, the seller or their broker should be able to share the title deed details for verification.
Check any listing in five steps
Scan the Madmoun QR code
Open the QR code on the advert with your phone camera. It leads to the permit card on the Land Department's system.
Match the permit card to the listing
Check the advertising company, the property details and that the permit is still valid.
Verify the broker and the company
Use the Dubai Land Department's licence and permit verification service to confirm the broker registration and the company's office registration.
Confirm the property itself
For a resale home, verify the title deed details through the Land Department's services. For off plan, ask for the Oqood registration and the project's escrow account details.
Pay only through a traceable, official route
Deposits to the brokerage's company account or trustee, and off plan payments to the escrow account in your sale agreement.
Already paid and something feels wrong?
Act quickly. The sooner your bank and the police know, the better the chance of stopping the money.
Stop further payments
Do not send more money to recover what you paid, however the request is framed.
Report it in India
Call the national cyber crime helpline on 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in, and inform your bank straight away.
Report it in Dubai
Report the advert and the company to the Dubai Land Department, and file a report with Dubai Police through their eCrime service.
Keep every record
Save chats, receipts, bank transfer details, the advert and any documents you were sent.
Questions
How do I know if a Dubai property listing is real?
Scan the Madmoun QR code on the advert, check the permit card matches the listing, verify the broker with the Dubai Land Department, and confirm the title deed or off plan registration before paying.
What is a Trakheesi permit?
It is the advertising permit issued through the Dubai Land Department's Trakheesi system. Licensed companies must get one before advertising a property, and it comes with a Madmoun QR code buyers can scan.
Is it safe to buy Dubai property at an expo in India?
You can reserve at an expo, but the signature there is a preliminary reservation. Check the developer and project yourself, and complete the purchase through the proper Land Department registration.
Found a property and want it checked? Send it to us and we will run these checks with you.
Book a consultation
Tell us your budget and what you want the home to do for you. We reply on WhatsApp to set up a call and a shortlist of areas that fit.