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Published on 12 Jan 2026 by Queen S
Dubai Police have recently alerted the public to a rise in fraudulent social media advertisements offering domestic helper recruitment services. Scammers pose as agents online to trick residents into sending money outside legal channels. The alert is part of the #BewareofFraud campaign, urging people to verify service providers and use only licensed agencies.
If you’re an employer looking to hire domestic help, here are practical tips to protect yourself, your household, and your future employee from scams:
1. Always use licensed recruitment agencies
Only engage domestic helper placement services that are:
- Licensed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) or equivalent authorities.
- Accredited with local government agencies or recognised bodies.
Licensed agencies help ensure compliance with labor laws and protect both employers and workers. Dealing with unauthorised recruiters can expose you to legal and financial risks.
2. Verify every social media ad
Just because an ad looks professional doesn’t make it legitimate. Many scams use:
- Attractive photos
- Fake testimonials
- Unverified contact details
Before engaging:
- Check the agency’s official website.
- Look for official credentials and license numbers.
- Search for reviews and complaints online.
3. Never send money upfront to individuals
Scammers often ask for advance payments through:
- Bank transfers
- E-wallets
- Money transfer apps
Rule of thumb:
Only make payments through secure, tracked, and verifiable channels outlined by a licensed agency. If someone insists on personal transfers before signing any contracts, walk away.
4. Follow standard legal hiring procedures
Legitimate recruitment follows established protocols that typically include:
- Job contracts in writing
- Medical checks for the worker
- Government processing of visas and permits
Avoid informal arrangements that bypass official processes, these often signal fraud and leave employers and workers unprotected.
5. Ask for official documentation
Before finalising any hiring:
- Request copies of the agency’s trade license.
- Ask for approval numbers from MoHRE or similar bodies.
- Confirm the domestic helper’s work visa status through official portals.
If documentation looks unclear or unverifiable, don’t proceed.
6. Report suspicious ads early
If you spot an ad that seems fake or too good to be true:
- Use official police reporting channels — such as eCrime platforms or helplines.
- Notify local authorities or community forums.
Reporting suspected scams helps protect the wider community from falling victim.
7. Ask for referrals from trusted sources
One of the best ways to avoid fraud is through:
- Personal referrals from friends or family
- Recommendations from expat communities
- Advice from official consulate or labor offices
Word-of-mouth from trusted peers can point you toward reputable agencies and away from scams.
Hiring domestic help should bring peace and support to your household, not stress or risk. By sticking to legal channels, verifying every offer, and staying informed about scam trends, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure a safe and fair hiring experience.
You might be interested in:
Guiding Your Helper: How to Address Challenging Behaviour Around Children
Measles Rules for Hiring Domestic Helpers
Why Employers Should Always Use Licensed Maid Agencies and Verified Hiring Platforms
How to Do a Thorough Background Check on Your Potential Helper
Need a Maid Urgently? Here’s How to Find the Right Helper Quickly and Stress-Free
Dubai Police have recently alerted the public to a rise in fraudulent social media advertisements offering domestic helper recruitment services. Scammers pose as agents online to trick residents into sending money outside legal channels. The alert is part of the #BewareofFraud campaign, urging people to verify service providers and use only licensed agencies.
If you’re an employer looking to hire domestic help, here are practical tips to protect yourself, your household, and your future employee from scams:
1. Always use licensed recruitment agencies
Only engage domestic helper placement services that are:
- Licensed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) or equivalent authorities.
- Accredited with local government agencies or recognised bodies.
Licensed agencies help ensure compliance with labor laws and protect both employers and workers. Dealing with unauthorised recruiters can expose you to legal and financial risks.
2. Verify every social media ad
Just because an ad looks professional doesn’t make it legitimate. Many scams use:
- Attractive photos
- Fake testimonials
- Unverified contact details
Before engaging:
- Check the agency’s official website.
- Look for official credentials and license numbers.
- Search for reviews and complaints online.
3. Never send money upfront to individuals
Scammers often ask for advance payments through:
- Bank transfers
- E-wallets
- Money transfer apps
Rule of thumb:
Only make payments through secure, tracked, and verifiable channels outlined by a licensed agency. If someone insists on personal transfers before signing any contracts, walk away.
4. Follow standard legal hiring procedures
Legitimate recruitment follows established protocols that typically include:
- Job contracts in writing
- Medical checks for the worker
- Government processing of visas and permits
Avoid informal arrangements that bypass official processes, these often signal fraud and leave employers and workers unprotected.
5. Ask for official documentation
Before finalising any hiring:
- Request copies of the agency’s trade license.
- Ask for approval numbers from MoHRE or similar bodies.
- Confirm the domestic helper’s work visa status through official portals.
If documentation looks unclear or unverifiable, don’t proceed.
6. Report suspicious ads early
If you spot an ad that seems fake or too good to be true:
- Use official police reporting channels — such as eCrime platforms or helplines.
- Notify local authorities or community forums.
Reporting suspected scams helps protect the wider community from falling victim.
7. Ask for referrals from trusted sources
One of the best ways to avoid fraud is through:
- Personal referrals from friends or family
- Recommendations from expat communities
- Advice from official consulate or labor offices
Word-of-mouth from trusted peers can point you toward reputable agencies and away from scams.
Hiring domestic help should bring peace and support to your household, not stress or risk. By sticking to legal channels, verifying every offer, and staying informed about scam trends, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure a safe and fair hiring experience.
You might be interested in:
Guiding Your Helper: How to Address Challenging Behaviour Around Children
Measles Rules for Hiring Domestic Helpers
Why Employers Should Always Use Licensed Maid Agencies and Verified Hiring Platforms
How to Do a Thorough Background Check on Your Potential Helper
Need a Maid Urgently? Here’s How to Find the Right Helper Quickly and Stress-Free