GULFACTIVEGULFACTIVE

Safety Center

Practical guidance to keep your transactions, money and personal information safe.

Golden rules

  • Never pay in advance for an item you haven't seen, especially via wire transfer, gift cards or crypto.
  • Inspect before you pay. Meet in person and check the item works as described.
  • Use the in-app chat when possible — it gives us a record if something goes wrong.
  • Trust ratings. Check the seller's reviews and member badge before committing.
  • If a deal feels off, walk away. Real sellers won't pressure you.

For buyers

Meeting in person

  • Meet in a public place — mall parking, café, police station safe-exchange zone.
  • Bring a friend, especially for high-value items.
  • Tell someone where you're going and share your location.
  • Inspect the item in daylight. Test electronics, check serial numbers, take photos.
  • For motors: verify the chassis number, registration and service history.

Paying safely

  • Prefer cash on delivery, escrow, or a bank transfer to a verified business account.
  • Avoid Western Union, MoneyGram or "send code" gift card payments to strangers.
  • For property deposits, only pay after viewing and only via the registered landlord/agent.

For sellers

  • Confirm payment has cleared in your bank app before handing over the item — screenshots can be faked.
  • Beware of "overpayment" scams asking you to refund the difference.
  • Don't share your bank OTP, PIN or card CVV with anyone.
  • Hide your phone number until you trust the buyer — buyers can always reach you via in-app chat.

For job seekers

  • A real employer will never ask you to pay for a job, training or visa upfront.
  • Verify the company independently — website, LinkedIn, business license.
  • Don't share your passport, Emirates ID or bank details until you have a signed offer.
  • Look for the verified employer badge before applying to "Hiring" posts.

For employers

  • Verify candidate identity before any onboarding payment or visa step.
  • Confirm references and qualifications independently.
  • Use written offers and contracts that comply with local labour law.

Common scam patterns to watch

  • Too-good-to-be-true price. If a flagship phone or luxury car is 70% off market, it's a trap.
  • Urgent shipping requests from "abroad" with fake courier emails asking for fees.
  • Fake payment receipts sent by SMS or email — always verify in your real bank app.
  • Phishing links claiming to be GULFACTIVE — we will never ask for your password by email.
  • Job offers asking for fees for visa, training or "background checks".
  • Rental scams with stolen photos and a landlord who is "out of the country".

Reporting & blocking

Use the report button on any listing, message or profile to flag suspicious activity. Our moderation team reviews reports every day. You can also block a user from your inbox to prevent further messages.

If you've been scammed

  1. Stop all communication with the other party.
  2. Gather evidence: chat screenshots, listing URL, payment receipts, phone numbers.
  3. Report the user and listing in-app.
  4. File a complaint with your local police (UAE: eCrime by Dubai Police or Aman by Abu Dhabi Police).
  5. Contact your bank immediately to attempt a chargeback or freeze.
  6. Email safety@gulfactive.com with your case so we can investigate.

Need help?

Our team is one click away — open a ticket from the support page.