Abu Dhabi Customs has issued a warning to residents about a fraudulent message circulating online that falsely claims to be an official customs communication.
The authority urged the public to remain cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information in response to the message.
Fake customs notice targets residents
The fraudulent message reportedly carries the subject line “Official Customs Hold Notice – Customs Tariff Classification Required (Harmonized System)”.
According to Abu Dhabi Customs, scammers are impersonating the authority and directing recipients to suspicious links while potentially seeking sensitive personal information.
The authority stressed that the message is not an official communication from Abu Dhabi Customs and advised anyone who receives it not to respond or follow its instructions.
Residents who need assistance or wish to verify information can contact Abu Dhabi Customs through its official support number, 800 555.
Abu Dhabi Customs shares safety advice
The authority has urged residents to follow several basic precautions when dealing with unexpected messages or online requests:
- Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links.
- Never share personal or sensitive information through unverified channels.
- Check the source of a message before making payments or taking any action.
- Ignore suspicious communications rather than responding to them.
These precautions can help reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attempts, identity theft and other forms of online fraud.
UAE authorities step up anti-scam efforts
The warning comes as authorities across the UAE continue to tackle increasingly sophisticated online scams.
Dubai Police recently shut down 103 fraudulent social media accounts during the second quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to protect residents from digital fraud.
Authorities have also highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence and crime-data analysis to identify emerging threats and strengthen investigations into online offences.
Residents urged to stay vigilant
Fraudsters frequently use the names and branding of trusted government agencies to make fake messages appear legitimate. Residents should therefore verify unexpected requests directly through official channels before providing information, clicking links or making payments.
The latest Abu Dhabi Customs warning serves as another reminder that online safety requires caution, particularly when a message creates urgency or asks for sensitive information.
For UAE residents, the safest approach is simple: verify first, avoid suspicious links and never share personal details with unverified sources.
Dubai Herald
