As the spirit of giving intensifies during Ramadan, UAE authorities have raised an urgent alarm over a rise in online begging and fraudulent fundraising campaigns. Cybercriminals are exploiting the holy month’s generosity by targeting unsuspecting donors with deceptive tactics. The UAE Cybersecurity Council urges residents to stay vigilant, ensuring their contributions reach legitimate recipients through secure and verified channels.

Rise in Fraudulent Appeals

Since the beginning of Ramadan, several UAE citizens and residents have received messages on websites and social media platforms seeking donations to unknown bank accounts. These appeals often claim to support the poor, orphans, the sick, or communities in need, as well as contribute to Iftar meals.

In response, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has urged the public to report any unauthorised fundraising campaigns or suspicious donation channels — whether online or on social media — by contacting the helpline at 800623.

Penalties for Unauthorised Fundraising

The UAE Public Prosecution has emphasised the severe penalties for promoting or organising fundraising activities without the necessary license. Individuals found guilty of operating a website, supervising one, or publishing online content to solicit donations without proper authorisation — or in violation of approved licensing conditions – could face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000.

Case of Online Fraud

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department highlighted a real-life case on its “X” account, where an individual created a WhatsApp group called “The Path to Goodness.” Multiple members were added, and messages were sent claiming, “Dear benefactors, I know a family of orphans whose eldest brother is struggling with debt due to their financial burdens.” He then encouraged donations to a specified bank account. However, instead of using the funds for charity, he withdrew the money to purchase illegal substances.

“Donate Safely” Campaign

To combat fraud, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has launched its “Donate Safely and Protect Your Money from Exploitation” campaign. This initiative encourages donors to verify the legitimacy of fundraising organisations before contributing and comply with Federal Law No. 3 of 2021, which regulates fundraising activities and protects donor funds. The ministry urges the public to report unauthorised donation campaigns or suspicious activities via the helpline.

Tips to Avoid Online Fraud

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has outlined five key tips to help individuals avoid phishing scams and identify fraudulent donation schemes:

1. Verify official channels – Always check the official social media accounts of companies or charitable organisations before donating.
2. Be wary of unrealistic offers – Avoid exaggerated deals, unrealistic discounts, or suspiciously low prices.
3. Protect personal information – Never share personal details via email or text messages.
4. Confirm caller identity – In the UAE, companies must use verified caller IDs. Do not share sensitive information with unidentified callers.

UAE Law on Fundraising

According to a legal expert, UAE regulations require organisations to obtain prior authorisation before launching donation drives. These regulations ensure transparency by specifying:

• The licensed charitable organisation responsible for collecting donations.
• The clear purpose of the fundraising campaign, including fund allocation and beneficiaries.
• Approved methods and platforms for fundraising.
• The campaign’s duration and operational costs are deducted by the organising charity.

Individuals are strictly prohibited from launching donation campaigns on social media without official authorisation, ensuring funds reach legitimate recipients.

UAE’s Federal Law on Anti-Begging

According to Federal Law by Decree No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, anyone caught begging in the UAE faces a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months of imprisonment. Those operating organised begging rings or recruiting individuals from abroad for begging can face a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and a jail term of at least six months.

The law aims to:

• Preserve the UAE’s image.
• Protect society from scams.
• Combat begging and organised begging networks.

At the discretion of the UAE’s Public Prosecution, individuals accused of begging but qualifying for social welfare may be referred to the Ministry of Community Development or relevant local authority for social support or vocational training.

Reporting Beggars

Authorities urge the public to report instances of begging through the following channels:

• Abu Dhabi: Call 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS 2828, or email aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
• Dubai: Call 901, 800243, or 8004888.
• Sharjah: Call 901, 06-5632222, or 06-5631111.
• Ras Al Khaimah: Call 07-2053372.
• Ajman: Call 06-7034310.
• Umm Al Quwain: Call 999.
• Fujairah: Call 09-2051100 or 09-2224411.

Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of donating through verified channels to ensure funds reach those in genuine need and to protect individuals from financial exploitation.

(Source: GN, www.u.ae/)

Abu Dhabi Police have seized 184 kg of hashish and arrested two Asian individuals in a major anti-drug operation codenamed ‘Secret Hideouts’.

Brigadier Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, revealed that the criminal network was being run by an individual based outside the UAE, using international phone numbers to promote illicit substances.

The suspects were caught red-handed in one of the emirates, with the drugs cleverly hidden inside marble cylinders to evade detection. They have now been handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution.

This latest crackdown underscores Abu Dhabi Police’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the community from illegal substances.

(Source: Wam)

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling a staggering 14.80 kg of gold from Dubai.

The Maanikya actress, who once shared the screen with superstar Kiccha Sudeep, landed on Monday night, completely unaware that officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) were waiting to pounce.

Ranya was immediately detained as officers searched her belongings and discovered the illicit haul. She was then whisked away to the DRI office in HBR Layout, where she was formally arrested.

In a desperate bid to dodge trouble, she reportedly claimed to be the daughter of top cop, Director General of Police K Ramachandra Rao — a move that didn’t impress authorities.

According to news reports, Ranya had been on the radar for some time, with intelligence reports linking her to a gold smuggling racket operating out of Dubai. Her suspiciously frequent trips — four visits to Dubai in just 15 days — had already raised eyebrows among investigators.

Determined to catch her red-handed, DRI officials laid a trap for the actress at Bengaluru airport. She allegedly smuggled the gold bars by wearing and concealing it in her clothes. Following her arrest, she was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.

Authorities are investigating whether she was acting alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India.

(Source: Deccan Herald, TOI)