Warning as 'fake' UAE police target blue collar workers

Police in Sharjah have urged the public to be wary of men posing as police officers.

The force said suspected fraudsters are using the ploy to take money from blue collar workers in particular, claiming they must pay a fine for committing an offence.

Officers have put up posters in malls and supermarkets and took to the streets of Sharjah’s industrial areas, home to many construction and warehouse workers, to alert workers to the scam.

“They take advantage of these people’s lack of knowledge of the Arabic language, and make them believe they were real officers of the law," a police spokesman said.

"They ask them for their belongings, mainly wallets, then take whatever cash they find.

“Real police officers would only, as per law, ask for an identification card, a driving licence and a vehicle registration card - and would not under any circumstance ask a person for his belongings," police said.

Residents are urged to ask anyone claiming to be police for their ID badges, particularly if they are not in uniform.

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