Emirates Society Warns Against Fake Websites Asking Fees for Complaints

The Emirates Society for Consumer Protection has issued an important warning to the public about the growing threat of fraudulent websites, social media pages, and online platforms that pretend to protect consumer rights. These fake entities are misusing government logos and claiming to be official complaint-handling services, misleading consumers into providing personal information or making payments for services that do not exist.

The Society has strongly emphasized that it is the only official body authorized to handle consumer complaints, and it operates with transparency and integrity.

All Services Provided by the Society Are Free

The Emirates Society clarified that all its services are completely free of charge. Consumers should be aware that the Society never charges fees or requests any payments for investigating or resolving complaints. Any attempt by a website or platform to demand money, request bank transfers, or ask for access to personal accounts should be treated as fraudulent.

The Society highlighted that legitimate complaint-handling services provided by it do not involve any payment or banking information. Every complaint resolution, investigation, and assistance service is handled at no cost. Consumers are strongly advised to refuse, block, and report any platform or entity asking for fees or personal financial information.

Fraud and Deception Tactics Used by Fake Platforms

Fraudulent platforms are using sophisticated tactics to deceive consumers. Many of these platforms claim they can operate 24/7, maintain complete confidentiality, and respond to complaints within 48 hours. They often provide fake tracking reference numbers, fraudulent email addresses, phone numbers, and office details, and claim to maintain high consumer satisfaction rates.

These false claims are designed to make consumers believe they are dealing with a legitimate authority, leading them to share sensitive information and, in some cases, make payments for nonexistent services.

Exploiting 17 Common Types of Consumer Complaints

Fake websites often create counterfeit complaint forms that closely resemble official forms provided by the Society. These forms request personal details, such as the consumer’s name, phone number, and email address.

These fraudulent platforms target 17 common types of complaints, including:

• Additional or hidden service charges

• Commercial fraud

• Defective or faulty products

• Harassing calls or promotional spam

• Fraudulent gold or diamond sales

• Faulty or malfunctioning devices

• Non-compliance with after-sales service obligations

• Breach of business activity licenses

• Price manipulation or failure to honor promotional offers

• Non-compliance with official standards and regulations

• Price increases

• And other miscellaneous complaints

By creating forms that appear official, these websites trick consumers into sharing personal and sensitive information, which can be misused.

Fake Platforms Stealing Personal Data

The warning further highlighted that some fraudulent platforms claim they can handle complaints against both private companies and government entities. They often advertise the ability to manage complaints, such as:

• Delays in refunds

• Online or commercial fraud

• Fake trading platforms

• Misleading advertisements

• Counterfeit or low-quality goods

• Breach of contracts

• Delivery and transport service issues

• Warranty denials

• Poor after-sales service

• Data breaches and privacy violations

• Misconduct by company representatives

These fake platforms falsely assure consumers of confidentiality and claim compliance with privacy policies to gain trust and encourage the sharing of personal information.

How Consumers Can Protect Themselves

The Emirates Society has advised all consumers to remain vigilant against such scams. Key recommendations include:

• Do not interact with suspicious websites or social media pages claiming to resolve complaints.

• Never provide personal or banking information online to unknown platforms.

• Refuse and block any entity requesting money or sensitive data.

• Report suspicious websites or fraudulent platforms to the relevant authorities immediately.

The Society reiterated that it is a recognized non-profit organization dedicated to protecting consumer rights. Its complaint services are entirely free, and it never requests payment or banking details from consumers.

By staying alert and following these safety measures, consumers can avoid scams and ensure their personal information remains secure.

The Emirates Society’s warning highlights the urgent need for awareness among consumers. With fraudulent websites increasingly targeting unsuspecting individuals, it is essential to verify the authenticity of online platforms before submitting any complaints or personal information.

Consumers are encouraged to only use official channels provided by the Emirates Society for any complaint resolution. By doing so, they can protect their personal data, avoid falling victim to fraud, and ensure their consumer rights are safeguarded.