Dubai: Do not let shame or fear stop you from reporting a crime.
"There are positive feedbacks from the public but more assistance is needed in cracking electronic-based crimes especially when people are ashamed of reporting a crime or fear of approaching the police," said Major Saeed Al Hajiri, Director of the Combating Cyber Crimes Department of Dubai Police.
There is a security loophole in any internet-based communication, he said adding that this could lead to serious crimes like blackmailing, hacking, defamation, and many more.
Social networking websites are creating a security challenge, said Maj Al Hajiri adding that the public needs to be more cautious in posting pictures and information about themselves.
"Children below the age of 13 should not have any internet-based communications. These social networks could be intoxicating for the youngsters especially that one is vulnerable to enticing offers," he said.
Other websites that offer certain services and matrimonial opportunities for single men and women should not be used by individuals as "we have cracked some websites that were offering indecent offers and for prostitution," said Maj Al Hajiri.
Programmed responses
He said that some developed countries are working on systems whereby programmed responses are recorded so that youngsters interact with a programmed intermediated service.
"This evolving technology monitors the content of the conversations," he said.
Since the beginning of the year till this month the department registered 154 various cases. There was a decline in the cases in the second quarter of this year specifically cases related to blackmailing.
"Due to major crackdowns on blackmailing cases and media awareness these crimes have declined in the second quarter," he said.
"I urge the public not to respond to bogus phone calls promising hefty prizes in return for mobile phone credits," said Maj Al Hajiri adding that cases have increased with the financial crisis.
When it comes to cooperation from the public, it was positive to a certain extent, but more assistance is needed, he said in relation to Dubai Police's "Cooperate with Dubai Police" campaign.
