24 April 2025, Thu |
7:11 PM
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has uncovered more than 1,200 instances of internet begging in 2024, particularly during Ramadan, amid growing concerns over fraudulent donation campaigns exploiting social media platforms.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, highlighted the increasing threat posed by digital begging. Fraudsters are using fake accounts, emotional videos, and advanced deepfake technology to impersonate real individuals and solicit donations.
To combat these scams, Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the critical role of cybersecurity measures, leveraging advanced technologies to detect fraudulent accounts, analyze suspicious patterns, and track illicit financial transactions. Authorities are working closely with security agencies and financial institutions to shut down fake accounts and prosecute offenders.
The Cybersecurity Council urged the public to verify donation requests and report any suspicious online begging activities. It is advised to avoid donating through unverified social media accounts and instead use only licensed organizations.
Additionally, the council warned of phishing attempts designed to steal personal and financial information, urging caution against deceptive messages, unverified links, and urgent donation appeals.
