Some of these emotional posts are generated using artificial intelligence tools that can fabricate realistic hospital scenes and create documents designed to elicit sympathy.
Authorities warn that artificial intelligence is being used to drive e-begging schemes, fabricate medical emergencies, and manipulate online charity appeals during the holy month.
This includes images of frail elderly men in hospital beds, videos of children hooked up to medical equipment, and voice messages delivered with a sense of urgency.
As Ramadan 2026 approaches, these appeals are spreading quickly across social media, shared in WhatsApp groups, reposted on Instagram, and circulated through community pages with urgent calls for help.
However, authorities caution that not every online plea for assistance reflects genuine suffering.
UAE authorities warn of AI-powered e-begging schemes during Ramadan
Authorities have raised concerns that artificial intelligence is being used to fuel electronic begging, fabricate medical emergencies, and manipulate online charity appeals during the holy month.
Posts often feature images of frail patients in hospital beds, videos of children on medical equipment, and urgent voice messages, all designed to elicit sympathy. Behind these posts, AI tools can generate realistic hospital scenes, forge documents, and craft persuasive narratives within minutes, creating a new era of digital begging that exploits Ramadan’s spirit of charity.
AI scales e-begging operations
Officials warn that AI allows fraudsters to flood online platforms with convincing but entirely fabricated hardship cases before their authenticity can be verified.
Brigadier Ali Salem highlighted the growing sophistication of electronic begging:
“We are witnessing advanced electronic begging tactics, including AI-generated images, fabricated medical reports, and manipulated digital content designed to exploit public compassion. Our specialised cybercrime units use advanced monitoring and forensic tools to detect AI-powered fraud and trace those responsible. Fraudsters are evolving — and so are we.”
Authorities have intensified awareness campaigns ahead of Ramadan, cautioning residents about online e-begging schemes.
The impact of manufactured suffering
A single AI-generated image can trigger hundreds of shares, a fabricated medical report can solicit thousands in donations, and a scripted voice message can bypass skepticism within seconds.
“Technology has amplified the ability of fraudsters to manipulate emotions,” said Brig Ali Salem. “Some campaigns use AI-generated images and fabricated documents that appear authentic. Protecting the spirit of charity requires compassion and caution.”
Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Director-General of the General Department of Criminal Security and Ports, added:
“Electronic begging today is organised and strategic. Structured online campaigns circulate fabricated hardship cases to unlawfully solicit money, especially during Ramadan when charitable engagement peaks. Fraudulent appeals not only cause financial loss but also undermine trust in legitimate charitable initiatives.”
How AI facilitates e-begging
Authorities say AI enables scammers to:
- Generate realistic images of critically ill patients
- Fabricate hospital documents with stamps and signatures
- Produce emotional voice recordings
- Manipulate videos to simulate humanitarian crises
- Create fake platforms resembling licensed charities
These tools make e-begging campaigns appear authentic and persuasive, often convincing enough to override caution.
Guidance for residents
Authorities emphasise that donations should only be made through licensed UAE charities, and fundraising without approval is illegal. Residents are advised to:
- Donate only through licensed organisations
- Avoid transferring money to personal accounts
- Be wary of cryptocurrency-only appeals
- Verify medical documents with issuing institutions
- Check for inconsistencies in formatting or language
- Report suspicious campaigns to local police or cybercrime platforms
Contacts:
Dubai Police – Call: 901 | eCrime Platform: www.ecrime.ae
Sharjah Police – Call: 901 | Emergency: 999
Legal consequences
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes:
- Electronic begging carries penalties of up to three months’ imprisonment and fines of no less than Dh10,000.
- Organised networks face at least six months in prison and fines of Dh100,000 or more.
- Fundraising without authorisation, including via personal accounts or unofficial platforms, may result in up to five years in prison and fines between Dh250,000 and Dh1 million.
Mahjoub Al Obaid, legal consultant at Dubai Courts, said the law ensures public trust:
“The UAE legal system supports legitimate charitable donations through licensed entities. Raising funds without official approval — even under humanitarian claims — is a criminal offence. Using AI-generated content or fabricated documents may lead to additional fraud charges.”
Real stories, real consequences
Some residents have been personally affected by fraudulent appeals:
- Mashear Erwa donated a wheelchair and medical bed for an elderly man, only to later discover the items had already been sold.
- Ibrahim Abu Nasser contributed to a post claiming a man had lost his job and could not feed his children, only to learn the story was false.
- Amal Qassim receives multiple messages daily about children with cancer or dialysis patients but refrains from donating because she cannot verify them.
Authorities stress that vigilance is crucial to protect both donors and the integrity of charitable initiatives.
