By Staff Reporter
Dubai: Dubai Police have warned against online scams using influencers besides “electronic begging” which continues to surface during Ramadan each year.
Brigadier Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the Cybercrime Combat Department at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, highlighted that certain crimes spike during these seasons, including the illegal collection of donations online under false claims. He urged citizens and residents to remain vigilant and avoid falling into these traps.
He revealed that authorities recently apprehended an individual who had been collecting donations under the guise of charity. Investigations uncovered that the suspect had amassed significant wealth, purchasing properties in Dubai. Additionally, non-profit organisations were found engaging in unauthorised fundraising, leveraging social media influencers to promote their activities.
In an interview with the digital platform “Arab Cast”, Al Hajri emphasised that these unauthorised entities, along with individuals falsely claiming to represent them, are professional fraudsters. They impersonate well-known figures or organizations to collect personal information from unsuspecting victims, who are often motivated by compassion and goodwill.
These scammers exploit online links and campaigns that bypass legitimate channels for charitable activities, such as the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and the UAE Red Crescent.
Appropriate action
Al Hajri pointed out that the authority has judicial enforcement powers to handle such cases but collaborates with the police, who are more experienced in building legal cases and taking appropriate actions.
He also warned against engaging with unlicensed organisations, as they could be fronts for more serious crimes like money laundering. Donors may unknowingly become complicit in these illegal activities. Some non-profit organizations were caught violating regulations, using influencers to endorse their activities and attract donations.
Al Hajri disclosed that a suspect of Arab nationality had created a website with a name suggesting a noble cause. He enlisted influencers to promote it and managed to collect donations for three consecutive years before being apprehended. The suspect operated without a licence, and authorities investigated the influencers involved, as they had inadvertently legitimised his illegal activities.
Fraud through “Social Engineering”
Brigadier Al Hajri explained that social media platforms and dating websites have facilitated cybercrimes such as online fraud, romance scams, and blackmail. Perpetrators use a technique known as “social engineering,” where they study their victims’ online presence, analyse their personal lives, and exploit their vulnerabilities.
He warned that social engineering tactics can also lead to digital blackmail, though such cases have significantly declined due to increased awareness.
Dubai Police have played a key role in dismantling international crime syndicates. Al Hajri cited an operation involving a gang in another country that targeted wealthy individuals in the Gulf region. The group used influencers and actresses to lure victims into compromising situations, capturing illicit content to extort large sums of money.
One victim travelled to the UAE and reported the crime to Dubai Police, leading to the arrest of a social media influencer involved in the scheme. Legal action was taken against her accordingly.
Al Hajri noted that cybercriminals often prey on individuals suffering from emotional loneliness. He urged victims not to remain silent if blackmailed, as complying with extortion demands can cause severe emotional and psychological damage.
He recounted the case of a victim who lost over Dh900,000 to blackmailers. The perpetrators repeatedly exploited him, draining his entire savings. However, Dubai Police’s cybercrime team successfully identified the suspect, even though he resided abroad. Authorities coordinated with relevant agencies in his country, leading to his arrest.
