Fake Police Scams in Oman
Criminals impersonating Royal Oman Police officers and government officials pressure residents into immediate payments to avoid fabricated legal consequences.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake police and authority scams target both Omani nationals and the large expatriate community in Oman. Callers impersonating Royal Oman Police (ROP) officers, Public Prosecution representatives, or immigration authorities allege that the victim's financial accounts or identity have been linked to criminal activity and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or deportation.
Newly arrived expats and older residents unfamiliar with official communication protocols are most vulnerable, as they may not know that legitimate authorities never demand payments by phone.
How this scam works on Oman
A call arrives from a spoofed number displaying what appears to be an official government number. The caller uses formal Arabic or English and cites real department names. The victim is told that their bank account has been used in money laundering or that their residency documents have irregularities.
The caller insists on immediate action — transferring money to a 'secure account', purchasing gift cards, or attending a specific location to 'complete verification'. Any attempt to hang up or seek independent verification is met with threats of immediate arrest.
Expats may be specifically told their visa will be cancelled and they will be deported unless the fee is paid within the hour, exploiting their vulnerability regarding residency status.
Common red flags
- Unexpected call claiming your account or identity is involved in criminal activity
- Caller demands immediate financial action to prevent arrest or deportation
- Instructions to transfer funds to an unfamiliar account or buy gift cards
- Caller discourages you from calling back through official channels to verify
- Spoofed number appears official but caller refuses to provide a verifiable reference number
How to protect yourself
- Real Royal Oman Police never demand payments by phone
- Hang up and call ROP directly on their official number (9999 emergency, 24412999 general)
- Do not transfer money or purchase gift cards based on any unsolicited phone demand
- Report spoofed numbers to your telecom operator and to the ROP
- Contact your employer or a trusted local contact for advice before acting
How to report it
- Report to the Royal Oman Police via 9999 or the cybercrime unit
- Contact the Ministry of Justice if a Public Prosecution impersonation is claimed
- File a report via the Oman government's consumer complaint portal
Frequently asked questions
If the call is really from the police, how would they contact me legitimately?
Real ROP contact for legal matters is typically via a formal written summons delivered to your address or through your employer. A cold call demanding immediate payment is not how Omani authorities operate.