UAE authority warns about domestic worker scams on social media

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has come out with another warning about a common scam in the UAE, where the fraudsters post fake advertisements for domestic workers available for hire for low rates. The posts are often accompanied with photos or videos of the maid as well.

The authority has listed reasons why people may fall for such scams:

1. Lack of awareness: People may be unaware of the licences recruitment agencies require to advertise their services or domestic workers on social media.

2. Demand: Such scammers often exploit seasons where domestic workers are in high demand, preying on the victim's need for help.

3. Lower costs: These scammers advertise maids at a much lower rate than official agencies in order to entice victims.

The consequences of such scams can be very harmful:

1. Victims may lose significant amounts of money to the fraudsters.

2. It is difficult to find and prosecute the perpetrators of the crime.

3. The maid advertised may be residing in the country illegally, in violation of residency laws.

• UAE warns residents against hiring maids through unreliable social media pages