Dubai Police have issued a fresh warning to residents about a surge in online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to respond to suspicious donation appeals shared on websites and social media.

The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised groups are exploiting the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan, using fake causes and emotional stories to illegally collect money.

Authorities stressed that donations and zakat should only be made through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

Online begging is a criminal offence under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. Article 51 states that anyone found soliciting money through information technology means can face up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected cases by calling 901, using the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app, or submitting a report via the official eCrime platform.

The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s annual “Combat Begging” campaign, launched under the slogan “An Aware Society Without Begging.” Running throughout Ramadan, the initiative aims to curb both individual and organised begging, raise awareness, and promote safe and regulated charitable giving.

The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Dubai Police reiterated that protecting the spirit of generosity during Ramadan is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to remain vigilant and support only trusted, authorised channels when giving back this month.

The Abu Dhabi Commercial Court of First Instance has ordered an events management company to refund Dh13,000 to a woman after ruling that the company had confirmed the refund in writing via phone messages but failed to repay the amount.

According to court records, the woman filed a lawsuit seeking recovery of the money she paid to organise a private event, along with legal interest, expedited enforcement, and compensation for court costs and legal fees.

Refund promised after event shortcomings

The claimant told the court that she had entered into a contract with the company to organise a private function. The agreement explicitly stated that payments would be refunded in the event of organisational shortcomings.

She said the company later acknowledged defects in the event arrangements and agreed to return the full amount, but failed to do so despite repeated follow-ups, according to reports.

WhatsApp messages used as evidence

To support her claim, the woman submitted:

• A copy of the signed contract
• A company-issued document
• Bank transfer records
• WhatsApp messages exchanged with the company’s representative

The messages included a written confirmation that the company would refund Dh13,000 within 14 days of the event date.

Company disputes claim

The company’s owner attended the hearing and requested the case be dismissed, arguing that the claimant lacked legal standing. Alternatively, he asked the court to reject the claim, stating the woman was not entitled to interest because she was not a trader.

Court rejects defence, orders payment with interest

In its ruling, the court found that the documents established a valid contractual relationship between both parties. It noted that the WhatsApp messages were sent from the same phone number listed in the contract, confirming they were issued by the company’s representative.

The court said there was no evidence the refund had been made, and ruled that the owner’s appearance did not negate the debt or its value.

On interest, the court held that the unpaid amount constituted a known and confirmed debt, and that delay in payment entitled the claimant to compensation.

The company was ordered to:

• Pay Dh13,000
• Pay delay interest at 3% per year from the date of filing the claim until full settlement (capped at the principal amount)
• Cover court costs and legal fees

The ruling highlights that written commitments made via WhatsApp or phone messages can carry legal weight in UAE courts, particularly when linked to a valid contract.

Abu Dhabi Police are urging residents to stay alert when clicking on online advertisements, following a rise in electronic fraud involving misleading links 

In a public warning, police said unknown individuals are exploiting search engines, job portals, and real estate platforms to circulate fake links designed to steal personal and financial information.

According to authorities, scammers are creating websites that look legitimate and promoting ads with unusually low prices to lure users into entering credit card details and other sensitive data.

Abu Dhabi Police advised residents to use only officially approved apps and trusted platforms when shopping online or requesting services. Users are also urged to carefully verify links before clicking or entering any information.

The public has been warned not to share confidential details online, including:

• Bank account or credit card information
• Online banking passwords
• ATM PINs and security codes
• Any other sensitive personal credentials

Police also stressed the importance of safeguarding credit card details and avoiding platforms of questionable credibility.

Anyone who suspects fraud is encouraged to report it through the Aman service via:

• Call centre: 800 2626
• SMS: 2828
• Abu Dhabi Police smart app
• Email: aman@adpolice.gov.ae
• Police station services on mobile phones

Abu Dhabi Police reaffirmed their commitment to raising cybersecurity awareness and combating online crime, as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and prevent fraud.