Dubai Police issues urgent warning over fake apps stealing bank data

Dubai Police issued an urgent cybersecurity warning about fake mobile apps that can steal banking data. The e-Crimes and Cybersecurity Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation urged residents to download applications only from official and authorized app stores. According to the department, untrusted apps may include malicious software used by fraudsters to infiltrate smartphones, access personal and banking information, and withdraw funds from bank accounts. The warning came alongside an awareness video explaining that scammers create “bait” apps tailored to victims’ interests, including themes such as banking, investment, delivery services, and security updates. The department said this can lead users to click and install the app, falling into the scammers’ trap. No specific case counts or targets were provided in the alert.