One drink too costly: Elaborate con targets Dubai tipplers who dare to drive home

Dubai Police source has confirmed to Emirates 24|7 that a new scam is doing the rounds in the emirate.

According to a top Dubai Police source, the latest con involves targeting visitors to restaurants, pubs or nightclubs.

“According to complaints we have received, these swindlers keep a watch on who is drinking how much and if they drive away from the club or bar.

“The professional swindlers track the driver who is already under the influence of alcohol and at an appropriate circumstance collide with the car.

“They manage the collision in such a professional manner that the damage to both cars is never major.

“The conmen generally use a luxury car, like a Range Rover.

“Then the driver of the luxury car is always accompanied by another person. A good cop, bad cop routine follows, where one is angry and one tries to remain calm as they approach the victim.

“The driver then accuses the victim of drinking and driving and asks him for compensation for the car or that he is going to call the police,” the police source explains.

What happens next is, given Dubai Police’s zero tolerance towards drinking under the influence – jail, fines, and black points - the victim chooses the ‘compensation’ option.

The con then sets in. The compensation demanded is never less than Dh20,000.

“The payment varies from victim to victim and there have been instances when those entrapped have paid out in installments,”