Dubai Police alerts residents to fake Global Village VIP ticket scams
Dubai Police has issued a public warning about counterfeit online sales of VIP packages for Global Village’s 31st season, as fraudsters exploit public interest with cloned websites and fake social media profiles. The scam operates annually ahead of the attraction’s seasonal launch, and this year’s campaign is already active.
The only official channel for Season 31 VIP packages is the Coca-Cola Arena website, with pre-sales running from 21 to 25 September and public sales starting on 26 September. All other sellers — including social media influencers, messaging apps, or third-party sites — are unauthorised and fraudulent.
How scammers trick residents
Fraudsters use advanced digital mimicry to deceive users. They replicate the look and feel of Global Village’s official platforms, including logos, colour schemes, and navigation structures. Some use AI tools to generate realistic product descriptions and fake customer testimonials. Domain names are altered slightly — such as globalvillag3.com or globalvillage-official.com — to exploit momentary lapses in attention.
Once users attempt to pay, malicious code embedded in these sites harvests sensitive data — including Emirates ID numbers, credit card details, and login credentials. Some scammers send fake booking confirmations via email or WhatsApp, creating the illusion of a successful transaction.
No package is valid unless activated through the official Global Village mobile app using the purchaser’s personal Emirates ID. Any offer of pre-activated passes, paper vouchers, or physical wristbands is a clear sign of fraud.
How to stay protected
• Never use links sent via DM, email, or unknown websites — always type the official URL manually.
• Verify the website’s security certificate — look for “https://” and the padlock icon next to the domain.
• One VIP package per Emirates ID — any seller offering multiple passes to one person is breaking the rules.
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true — discounts of 30% or more are impossible under official pricing policies.
• Never pay with untraceable methods — such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer transfers.
Reporting fraud helps protect others
Dubai Police urges all residents to act immediately if they encounter suspicious activity. Suspicious websites, fake social profiles, or scam messages should be reported via the e-Crime platform (ecc.dubaipolice.ae) or by calling 901. These reports trigger rapid takedowns of fraudulent domains and help block future attacks.
Past incidents show individuals losing between AED 1,000 and AED 1,500 per transaction — a significant financial blow that can impact household budgets.
The Dubai Police reminder remains clear: official channels never pressure buyers, never ask for sensitive data over chat, and never sell outside verified platforms. Stay alert. Verify once. Report always.
