Police advise the public to disregard unknown ads and social media messages.
Each year during the holy month of Ramadan, incidents of so-called “online begging” resurface, as fraudsters exploit the spirit of compassion and generosity to solicit financial assistance through internet platforms and social media. Authorities have urged the public not to engage with such appeals, emphasizing that charitable donations and zakat payments should only be made through officially licensed and accredited organisations in the UAE.
As part of its “Stay Alert” awareness campaign, the Abu Dhabi Police warned residents about a wide range of fraudulent schemes targeting the community. These include fake charity fundraisers, fraudulent Ramadan product offers, counterfeit goods promotions, phone and SMS financial scams, phishing links, requests to update banking information, and false prize claims. Officials stressed that legitimate government entities never request confidential information via phone calls or text messages, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
The police urged the public not to respond to unfamiliar advertisements or messages circulating on social media and messaging apps that exploit Ramadan themes. Individuals wishing to donate were advised to do so only through authorized charitable organisations and officially approved channels. Suspected cases can be reported by calling 8002626 or sending details via SMS to 2828.
Dubai Police Warn Against Exploiting Ramadan Sentiments for Illegal Gain
The Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation of Dubai Police has cautioned that scammers and online beggars are taking advantage of the humanitarian spirit of Ramadan to generate illicit profits through digital platforms. Authorities reiterated the importance of avoiding interaction with individuals or entities seeking donations electronically outside official channels.
Dubai Police also highlighted that Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, which combats rumours and cybercrimes, criminalizes online begging. Under Article 51, offenders may face up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine of at least Dh10,000, or both if they solicit money using information technology by any means.
UAE Authorities Warn of Surge in Online Begging During Ramadan
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, UAE authorities have issued strong warnings about the rise of online begging, with fraudsters exploiting the season’s spirit of generosity to solicit donations through social media and digital platforms. Citizens and residents are urged to donate only through licensed and accredited charitable organisations and to report suspicious activity immediately.
The Dubai Police, as part of its “Stay Alert” and annual “A Conscious Society Free of Begging” campaigns, highlighted the growing threat posed by online begging. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling the toll-free number 901, using the “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police smart app, or submitting reports via the E-Crime online platform.
The campaign, implemented in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, seeks to combat both individual and organised begging while raising public awareness about donating responsibly.
Cybersecurity Council Reports 1,200 Cases in 2024
The UAE Cybersecurity Council warned about the growing sophistication of online begging, revealing that around 1,200 cases were detected during 2024 alone. Speaking to Gulf News, Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, explained that scammers use social media, fake accounts, emotional imagery, deepfake impersonations, and fraudulent websites to manipulate donors and unlawfully collect money.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that the national cybersecurity ecosystem plays a key role in detecting fake accounts, analyzing fraud patterns, tracking suspicious financial transfers, and coordinating with law enforcement and financial institutions to shut down fraudulent operations.
“The community represents the first line of defense against cyber threats,” he said, urging residents to verify the legitimacy of donation requests and report suspicious activity immediately.
How to Protect Yourself
The Cybersecurity Council outlined the following precautions to avoid online donation scams:
- Ignore donation requests from unknown sources on social media.
- Donate only via officially licensed and authorized organizations in the UAE.
- Never share credit card details online without verifying the recipient.
- Confirm authenticity of official social media accounts before interacting.
- Be cautious of emotional appeals requesting urgent humanitarian aid.
- Watch for poor-quality logos or branding inconsistencies, which may indicate fraud.
- Remember that banks never request confidential financial information via email or SMS.
Authorities stressed that phishing messages and other scams are increasingly used to steal sensitive personal data. Community members were advised to carefully check sender email addresses, contact organizations directly through trusted channels, be wary of urgent or threatening messages, and avoid clicking suspicious links.
Vigilance, awareness, and reporting suspicious activity remain critical to protecting individuals and society from online exploitation during Ramadan.
