Abu Dhabi Police Warn Against Rising Online and Phone Scams
Abu Dhabi Police Reiterate Warning Over Rising Online and Phone Scams
The Abu Dhabi Police have renewed their call for residents to remain vigilant amid a noticeable rise in online and phone scams across the emirate. With cybercriminals using increasingly deceptive tactics to steal personal and financial data, authorities are urging the public to think before they click and verify all information before taking action.
In a new awareness video, Lieutenant Colonel Ali Faris Al Nuaimi, Head of the Cybercrime Department at Abu Dhabi Police, highlighted the growing sophistication of these scams. Fraudsters, he said, continue to adapt their methodsāusing fake websites, impersonating banks, government entities, and delivery services, or sending phishing messages designed to look legitimate.
New and Deceptive Fraud Tactics
According to Lt. Col. Al Nuaimi, recent scams often begin with a simple message or phone call claiming to offer prizes, refunds, or limited-time deals. In reality, these are traps created to collect sensitive information such as bank account details, Emirates ID numbers, or one-time passwords (OTPs).
Some scammers also use social media platforms and messaging apps to impersonate official entities or friends. Victims are often lured into clicking malicious links that lead to fake websites resembling well-known brands or institutions. Once users enter their personal details, the data is instantly transmitted to cybercriminals, who can use it for identity theft, unauthorized purchases, or draining bank accounts.
Lt. Col. Al Nuaimi warned residents to be especially cautious of ātoo-good-to-be-trueā offersāwhether they promise prizes, lottery wins, or unreal discounts. These deals, he said, are almost always red flags for fraud.
Protecting Yourself Online
Abu Dhabi Police emphasize that awareness and caution are the best defences against such scams. Residents are advised to follow a few key safety steps:
Never share personal or banking details over the phone, email, or social media.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
Verify the authenticity of websites and messages by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
The police also recommend ignoring suspicious calls that ask for confidential information. Banks and government institutions will never ask for such details over the phone or through text messages.
Public Cooperation and Reporting
Lt. Col. Al Nuaimi stressed the importance of community cooperation in combating cybercrime. Residents who receive suspicious messages or calls are urged to report them immediately through Abu Dhabi Policeās official channelsāsuch as the Aman service (8002626) or by sending an SMS to 2828. Reports can also be made via the Abu Dhabi Police smart app or official website.
āYour awareness is the first line of defence,ā Lt. Col. Al Nuaimi said. āDo not trust unknown sources, and always verify before you act. Together, we can stop scammers from exploiting the public.ā
Cybercrime: A Growing Threat
The renewed warning comes amid a global surge in cybercrime, where fraudsters are taking advantage of increased digital transactions and online services. With the UAEās rapid digital transformation and high smartphone penetration, authorities say scammers are targeting a larger and more connected audience than ever before.
Abu Dhabi Police continue to conduct awareness campaigns across social media, schools, and public events to educate residents about digital safety and responsible online behavior. The goal is to ensure that both residents and visitors understand how to recognize, avoid, and report fraudulent activity before it causes harm.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi Policeās message is clear: cyber awareness saves you from cyber loss. As fraudsters continue to evolve their tricks, individuals must remain cautious, informed, and proactive. By reporting scams and practicing safe online habits, residents can help protect not only their own finances but also the wider community.
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