Dubai Police warn of online begging scams during Ramadan
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Dubai Police have warned residents about online begging schemes during Ramadan, saying fraudsters are using social media and other digital platforms to exploit charitable giving during the holy month.
The Cyber Crimes Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said scammers are exploiting people’s goodwill to collect money illegally. Police urged the public not to engage with online advertisements, individuals or groups seeking donations through unofficial channels.
Authorities stressed that Zakat and other donations should be made only through licensed and officially approved organisations in the UAE.
Dubai Police said Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cyber Crimes criminalises electronic begging. Under Article 51, anyone convicted of using information technology to solicit money may face up to three months in prison, a fine of at least Dh10,000, or both.
Residents are encouraged to report begging through the toll-free number 901, the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app, or the “E-crime” platform for online cases.
The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s annual “Combat Begging” campaign, held each Ramadan under the slogan “An Aware Society Without Begging”. The campaign aims to curb individual and organised begging and to raise public awareness about directing charity through official channels.
The initiative is carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities. Authorities said the campaign also seeks to preserve the country’s public image by addressing and preventing begging.
