Crime

Ramadan scam alert: UAE warns against fraud donation appeals

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2025

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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 issue urgent warning: Secure your devices now

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder to residents to strengthen the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak settings can leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy breaches, and even cyber extortion.

The alert comes as part of ongoing awareness campaigns led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department. Authorities noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices with default or weak configurations, making them easy targets.

Residents are advised to take simple but vital steps:

•Change default passwords immediately after activating any device.
•Use strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
•Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch security gaps.
•Avoid sharing personal details or passwords with unverified sources.
•Switch off surveillance systems when not in use, especially in private spaces.
•Stay alert to suspicious links or apps from unreliable platforms.

Dubai Police emphasised that awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime. To support the public, residents can access advice through the e-Crime Hub and report incidents via official channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.

Authorities reiterated that community cooperation is key to reducing cybercrime and protecting individuals, families, and property in the digital age.

Crime

UAE issues stark warning on price fixing: ‘It’s a crime’

Published

5 days ago

April 28, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Price manipulation isn’t just unfair, it’s illegal in the UAE.

The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a strong warning to businesses, making it clear that inflating or fixing prices crosses the line into criminal activity, not clever strategy.

In a statement shared online, authorities reinforced that the UAE’s free-market system is built on fairness, transparency, and strict legal oversight. Any attempt to distort competition or exploit consumers is taken seriously and can carry legal consequences.

At the centre of this is Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023, which bans monopolistic behaviour, price-fixing agreements, and the misuse of market dominance. The goal: keep markets open, competitive, and fair for everyone.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted its role in cracking down on economic crimes, working closely with other authorities to detect violations and protect consumers.

The message is simple: if you manipulate prices, you’re not just bending the rules — you’re breaking the law.

Crime

UAE consumers hit by price hike? Firms now face prosecution

Published

2 weeks ago

April 20, 2026

Michael Gomes

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In a strong move to protect consumers and market stability, the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism has referred a group of businesses to the Public Prosecution for unjustifiably increasing poultry prices.

Authorities said the group exploited ongoing regional developments to inflate prices, a practice that directly violates consumer protection laws and threatens both food security and economic stability in the country.

What the law says

Under Article 5 of the Regulation of Competition Law UAE, businesses are strictly prohibited from engaging in practices that distort or restrict competition.

This includes:

Price-fixing or artificially inflating prices
Coordinating to limit supply or control distribution
Colluding in tenders or bids
Imposing unfair conditions on sales or purchases

The law also bans tactics like hoarding, unjustified stockpiling, or creating artificial shortages to manipulate market prices.

Why this action matters

Officials emphasised that such violations go beyond simple misconduct, they can disrupt entire supply chains and impact everyday consumers.

By taking legal action, the ministry aims to:

Maintain stable food prices
Protect consumer rights
Ensure fair competition in the market
Safeguard national food and economic security

Ongoing market monitoring

This case is part of wider inspection campaigns being carried out across the UAE to monitor pricing and prevent manipulation, especially in essential goods like food.

Authorities have signalled zero tolerance for businesses attempting to exploit market conditions for unfair gains.