Most common scams in Saudi Arabia

Cheryl · 2025-06-19T07:58:42+02:00

Explore common scams targeting expats in Saudi Arabia, with insights on warning signs, vulnerable groups, and tips to navigate everyday life safely.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator19 June 2025 05:58:42

14359

Hello everyone,

Settling in Saudi Arabia as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or getting charged at an expat rate, scams can occur in various ways.
We invite you to share your experience in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats be aware of potential scams in Saudi Arabia.

What are the most common scams targeting expats in Saudi Arabia?

What are the specific warning signs to look out for?

Have you noticed certain groups being more vulnerable (for example, retirees, new arrivals, or non-native speakers)?

What tips and advice would you like to share to help other expats?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
海角乱伦 Team

SG09 New member

Member since 20 January 2025

SG09New member25 June 2025 10:03:08

The most common scam is regarding housing. I myself along with 50 people from South Asian countries were scammed by a person.

He posed as a owner of service apartment, and took advance for same room multiple times. took almost 500k SAR and ran awar. we tried reaching to authorities, but no help at all.

Bhavna Team

Member since 01 June 2015

BhavnaTeam25 June 2025 14:54:51

42168

@SG09

Sorry to hear about that !

No action was taken against him ?

Regards

Bhavna

Anita Lauer Member

Member since 21 August 2008

Anita LauerMember26 June 2025 07:05:39

A taxi driver tried to give me a tour of the city and run up the bill. Fortunately, I had a local friend I could call. He spoke to the driver in Arabic and probably said some unkind words. The driver then took me to my destination and I paid him the normal amount.