Dubai Police Warn of Rising AI-Generated Fake Documents Used in Fraud

Dubai Police have issued a critical public alert regarding a sharp increase in criminals using artificial intelligence (AI) to forge official and unofficial documents. These sophisticated fakes, distributed via email and social media, are being used to commit financial fraud and deceive individuals and businesses.

The AI Fraud Threat: Sophisticated and Convincing

In a warning issued on January 13, 2026, the Anti-Fraud Centre stated that scammers are leveraging generative AI to create highly convincing fake contracts, certificates, and authorization letters. These documents often feature accurate-looking text, logos, and signatures, making them difficult to distinguish from genuine paperwork at first glance.

Red Flags and Protective Measures

Despite their polished appearance, forgeries often contain inconsistencies. The public is urged to look for:

• Inaccurate information or mismatched official templates.
• Suspicious sender identities or email addresses.
• Irregularities in digital file metadata (creation/modification dates).

As part of the #BewareofFraud campaign, Dubai Police recommend:

1. Verifying the sender's identity through trusted, independent channels.
2. Checking official reference numbers directly with the issuing authority.
3. Avoiding taking action based solely on a document's appearance.

Severe Legal Penalties Under UAE Law

Using or creating forged documents is a serious crime in the UAE with strict penalties:

• Forging Official Documents: Up to 10 years imprisonment (Article 252, Penal Code).
• Using Forged Documents: Up to 5 years imprisonment (Article 253).
• Forging Electronic Documents: Imprisonment and fines from Dh150,000 to Dh750,000 for government documents (Article 14, Cybercrime Law).

How to Report Suspected Fraud

If you encounter a suspected forged document or are a victim of fraud, report it immediately through:

• The Dubai Police smart app.
• Calling 901.
• The official eCrime platform.

Also Read: Dubai Civil Defence Unveils Cutting-Edge Firefighting Robot at Intersec 2026

A Call for Vigilance in the Digital Age

This warning underscores the dual-edged nature of advanced technology. As Dubai continues to embrace digital transformation, public awareness and proactive verification are essential first lines of defense. By staying informed and reporting suspicious activity, residents and businesses can help authorities combat this evolving threat and protect the integrity of digital communications.