Crime

Ramadan scam alert: UAE warns against fraud donation appeals

Published

12 months ago

March 12, 2025

Spread the love

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:

Verify official channels – Always check the official social media accounts of companies or charitable organisations before donating.
Be wary of unrealistic offers – Avoid exaggerated deals, unrealistic discounts, or suspiciously low prices.
Protect personal information – Never share personal details via email or text messages.
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/)

Crime

Dubai Police warns residents of fraudsters impersonating ‘crisis management’ officials

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Dubai Police have detected attempts by fraudsters exploiting recent developments by impersonating individuals claiming to be affiliated with a so-called “Dubai Crisis Management” department and falsely presenting links to the police force.

Authorities said the scammers are attempting to unlawfully obtain sensitive personal information, including UAE Pass credentials and Emirates ID details.

“Members of the public are strongly urged not to share personal or banking information with any unverified party and to report any suspected fraudulent activity immediately through official channels,” Dubai Police said in a post on social media platform X.

Attempt to access bank accounts

Dubai Police warned that sharing such information could allow criminals to conduct SIM swap operations, a method that enables fraudsters to take control of a victim’s mobile number and gain unauthorised access to banking applications and financial accounts.

Officials stressed that Dubai Police never request confidential information, verification codes, passwords or banking details via phone calls or text messages.

Residents are strongly advised:

Not to share personal or banking information with unknown callers
Not to disclose UAE Pass login details or verification codes
To verify any suspicious communication through official channels

Dubai Police urged the public to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 901 or through the official eCrime platform.

Authorities reiterated that vigilance and awareness remain the strongest defence against fraud attempts.

Crime

UAE Public Prosecution issues warning against unlicensed online fundraising

Published

5 days ago

February 26, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a legal clarification warning that calling for or promoting fundraising activities without a licence from the competent authority constitutes a criminal offence.

In an awareness video published across its official social media platforms, the authority stressed that individuals who create, manage or supervise a website to solicit donations without official approval may face legal consequences.

Online promotion punishable

The warning also applies to anyone who publishes or shares information on electronic networks, or through any form of information technology, to promote the unauthorised collection of funds.

According to the public prosecution, such actions fall under Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumours and cybercrimes, which outlines penalties for violations related to misuse of online platforms.

Authorities added that penalties may also apply to individuals who violate the conditions of an existing fundraising licence.

Part of ‘Wa’i’ awareness campaign

The clarification forms part of the Criminal Media Centre’s “Wa’i” (Awareness) campaign, an initiative aimed at strengthening legal literacy and promoting transparency across society.

Through educational videos and public guidance, the Public Prosecution seeks to inform residents about prevailing legislation and encourage compliance with national laws.

Key takeaway for residents

Before launching or promoting any fundraising campaign, particularly online, individuals and organisations must ensure they obtain approval from the relevant authority and strictly adhere to licence conditions.

Failure to do so may result in legal action under the UAE’s cybercrime legislation.

Crime

Dubai Police Ramadan warning: Residents urged to avoid online begging and fake charity scams

Published

2 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

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.