Beware of online begging and donation fraud during Ramadan, Eid holidays, warns a top official

Abu Dhabi: As the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches, online threats are on the rise, with cybercriminals intensifying their efforts to deceive shoppers and internet users.

These fraudsters use various tactics to steal personal information, including identity details, credit card numbers, and banking credentials.

Dr Mohammad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, issued a warning to the public about the surge in cyber scams, which typically increase during holidays and religious occasions like Eid.

He revealed that more than 1,200 cases of online begging had been reported in 2024 alone, impacting individuals across all demographics.

Fraudulent fund-raising

Dr Al Kuwaiti highlighted the concerning rise of online begging and fraudulent donation campaigns, particularly during Ramadan. Scammers take advantage of the public’s generosity, using fabricated humanitarian stories to trick people into donating money.

Speaking to Gulf News, he explained how cybercriminals exploit social media platforms and advanced technology to manipulate emotions and unlawfully acquire funds. These scams often involve fake accounts, emotionally charged images or videos, and even deepfake technology to impersonate individuals or create fraudulent websites.

Online scams

Despite these threats, Dr Al Kuwaiti added that the UAE’s cybersecurity infrastructure is highly advanced, playing a crucial role in identifying and mitigating online scams. The Cybersecurity Council employs state-of-the-art technology to detect fake accounts, track suspicious financial transactions, and analyse fraudulent activity. The Council works closely with law enforcement and financial institutions to dismantle fraudulent networks and apprehend cybercriminals.

He encouraged individuals to thoroughly verify donation requests and exercise caution when sharing financial information online.

He also underscored that the community is the first line of defence against cyber threats. Residents should remain vigilant, authenticate donation requests, and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Surge in cyber fraud during holidays

Dr Al Kuwaiti also warned of a notable increase in online fraud during Eid holidays. Cybercriminals employ a variety of deceptive tactics to steal personal data and financial assets from shoppers.

“The Cybersecurity Council strongly advises the public to stay alert for warning signs of online fraud,” he said. “It’s vital to recognise threats like fake websites and phishing emails. A single click could compromise sensitive data and financial security,” he added.

Fraudsters often impersonate banks, e-commerce platforms, or financial institutions, attempting to trick recipients into revealing login credentials or payment details.

“During high-traffic shopping seasons, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and New Year’s sales, scammers capitalise on consumers’ interest in discounts, luring them into traps that can lead to significant financial losses,” Dr AlKuwaiti noted.

He urged people to follow digital safety best practices, such as avoiding the sharing of sensitive information (like passwords or one-time passcodes) over phone calls or SMS, and refraining from clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Fake donation requests

The Cybersecurity Council has urged people to donate only through official, government-approved charities. The public is advised against responding to donation requests from unfamiliar social media sources and urged to avoid sharing credit card information online unless the legitimacy of the recipient has been confirmed.

The Council also advised people to verify any communication from charitable organisations through official channels and to be cautious of emotional appeals for donations. Fraudulent campaigns often feature poor-quality logos or graphics, which should raise suspicion. Moreover, banks will never request sensitive financial details via email or SMS.