As digital transactions become the norm, UAE consumers are adopting more proactive fraud detection measures
Nearly half (49 per cent) of consumers in the UAE recognise their vulnerability to scams. However, a remarkable 99 per cent now actively take precautions to secure their online transactions, signalling a significant shift in awareness and digital payment security.
A recent Visa study highlights that trust in digital payments is steadily increasing, with 77 per cent of respondents expressing confidence in these methods and 81 per cent expecting to use them more frequently in the coming year. This heightened vigilance reflects a broader trend in the UAE’s digital economy, where consumers are becoming more adept at identifying fraud while embracing faster, more secure payment solutions.
The findings are part of Visa’s ninth annual Stay Secure study, which provides key insights into evolving consumer behaviour, fraud prevention strategies, and opportunities to further enhance trust in digital transactions.
Growing Awareness, But Scams Persist
Despite high awareness levels, scams remain prevalent. The study found that 49 per cent of UAE consumers have fallen victim to a scam, with 15 per cent experiencing fraud multiple times. Additionally, 62 per cent reported being approached by fraudsters requesting money transfers.
However, perceptions of responsibility vary. While 30 per cent of victims acknowledge personal accountability, 55 per cent believe external factors are to blame.
Concerns extend beyond individual experiences, as 92 per cent of respondents worry that their family members or friends could fall prey to scams. Interestingly, 90 per cent believe that Gen X consumers—those born between 1965 and 1980—are the most susceptible to online fraud.
Proactive Approach To Fraud Detection
As digital transactions become the norm, UAE consumers are adopting more proactive fraud detection measures. The study found that:
68 per cent of respondents view suspicious password reset requests as a major red flag.
Phishing attempts via email and text messages remain top concerns.
99 per cent of consumers remain cautious of suspicious requests, with 61 per cent ignoring money transfer requests and 48 per cent enabling transaction alerts.
86 per cent feel safer when confirming payments via a texted code, while 56 per cent trust visible security icons.
AI-Powered Fraud Prevention Strengthens Security
Visa has been at the forefront of payment security, investing $3.3 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) and data infrastructure over the past decade. In 2024, the company launched three AI-powered fraud prevention solutions as part of the Visa Protect suite, designed to combat cybercrime across multiple payment channels.
These efforts have led to significant fraud prevention results, including:
Blocking $40 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past year.
Preventing 80 million fraudulent transactions.
Averting $122 million in estimated eCommerce fraud through malware detection.
Future Of Digital Payments In UAE
With 81 per cent of UAE consumers planning to increase their use of digital payments in the next year, trust and security will continue to play a crucial role in the sector’s expansion.
Retailers, banks, and payment processors can enhance consumer confidence by implementing stronger authentication measures, such as text-based payment confirmations and security badges.
Charles Lobo, Senior Vice President and Regional Risk Officer at Visa for CEMEA, emphasised the need for continuous security improvements, stating:
“The digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly, and consumers across the UAE are embracing its convenience while becoming more vigilant about security. Consumer education is our best defence against fraud, and industry collaboration is key. As scams grow more sophisticated, the battle for security never stops.”
As digital transactions become increasingly dominant, ongoing investment in fraud prevention and consumer awareness will be essential in shaping a safer and more secure payment ecosystem.
