UAE Cybersecurity Council Finds 1,200 Online Begging Scams
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has uncovered over 1,200 cases of online begging scams in 2024, warning the public about fraudulent donation campaigns that exploit social media platforms, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated digital tactics to manipulate emotions and deceive people into donating money to fraudulent causes. These scams, often disguised as genuine humanitarian appeals, rely on fake accounts, fabricated emotional videos, and deepfake technology to impersonate real individuals and solicit donations from unsuspecting victims.
The Rise of Digital Begging Scams in the UAE
The problem of internet-based begging has grown significantly, with scammers leveraging advanced digital tools to create realistic but deceptive appeals for financial aid. During Ramadan, when charitable giving is at its peak, fraudsters attempt to exploit the spirit of generosity by fabricating stories of hardship, medical emergencies, or disaster relief efforts.
These scams take multiple forms, including:
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Fake Social Media Accounts – Fraudsters create fake profiles impersonating real individuals, charities, or religious figures to gain public trust.
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Emotional Video Content – Scammers use edited videos or AI-generated deepfake content to make their stories appear more authentic and urgent.
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Manipulated Messages – Social media posts, WhatsApp forwards, and phishing emails often include compelling narratives and pleas for help, urging immediate donations.
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Illicit Use of Crowdfunding Platforms – Some scammers even set up fraudulent crowdfunding pages that appear legitimate but divert funds to personal bank accounts.
Cybersecurity Measures to Combat Fraudulent Donations
To counteract this growing cyber threat, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has intensified efforts to identify and shut down online begging networks. Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that cybersecurity technologies play a crucial role in detecting these fraudulent activities. The council is employing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to:
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Monitor suspicious online activity and identify fake social media accounts.
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Analyze donation transaction patterns to detect illicit financial transfers.
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Track and shut down fraudulent websites masquerading as legitimate charities.
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Enhance phishing detection systems to prevent identity theft and fraud.
The UAE has strict laws against online fraud, and offenders caught engaging in digital begging or deceptive fundraising face severe legal consequences. The authorities are working closely with security agencies, financial institutions, and social media platforms to take swift action against scammers and fake donation drives.
Public Advisory: How to Identify and Report Online Begging Scams
Dr. Al Kuwaiti has urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify all donation requests before contributing. He highlighted several key precautions that individuals should take to avoid falling victim to online begging scams:
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Verify the Source – Only donate through government-approved charities or official nonprofit organizations with a verifiable presence. Avoid making payments to individuals requesting donations via personal bank accounts.
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Be Wary of Emotional Appeals – Scammers often create heart-wrenching narratives to pressure people into donating. If a story seems overly dramatic or lacks proper documentation, double-check its authenticity before donating.
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Look for Red Flags – Messages that use urgent calls to action, such as “Donate immediately to save a life,” without credible details may be fraudulent. Be cautious of requests that insist on secrecy or demand instant money transfers.
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Avoid Clicking on Unverified Links – Fraudsters send out phishing emails or social media messages containing malicious links designed to steal personal and financial information. Always double-check URLs before clicking.
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Report Suspicious Activity – If you come across a fake fundraising campaign or an account engaging in online begging, report it immediately to the UAE Cybersecurity Council or relevant law enforcement agencies.
To ensure secure and legitimate giving, the UAE government strongly advises donating only through licensed charitable organizations registered with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) or the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC).
Additional Cyber Threats: Phishing and Financial Fraud
Apart from online begging scams, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has also issued warnings about an increase in phishing attacks targeting personal and financial data. Cybercriminals are using tactics such as:
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Fake donation websites that appear to be affiliated with well-known charities but are designed to steal credit card information.
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Deceptive emails and text messages posing as government-backed charity drives.
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Social media links that redirect users to fraudulent payment gateways.
Authorities advise all internet users to be cautious when engaging in online financial transactions, especially during Ramadan and other major charitable seasons.
UAE’s Commitment to Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, implementing strict policies and technological advancements to combat cybercrimes and online financial fraud. The detection of 1,200+ online begging cases reflects the government’s proactive efforts to safeguard the public from digital deception.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti reaffirmed that continuous monitoring, public awareness, and legal enforcement remain critical to ensuring a secure digital environment for all residents and businesses in the UAE. He encouraged individuals to report suspicious cyber activities and stay informed about emerging threats.
Conclusion
With fraudulent donation campaigns increasing, particularly during Ramadan, the UAE Cybersecurity Council is taking decisive action against digital begging scams. As over 1,200 cases have already been detected in 2024, authorities are working to identify, track, and shut down deceptive accounts that prey on public generosity.
The public is advised to exercise caution by verifying charitable sources, avoiding suspicious donation requests, and reporting fraudulent activities. By leveraging advanced cybersecurity measures, the UAE is committed to protecting its citizens from online scams and ensuring that charitable contributions reach genuine recipients in need.
Also Read: UAE Cybersecurity Report 2025 Highlights Growing AI-Powered Threats and Asset Vulnerabilities
