Abu Dhabi Police urges parents to protect children from cybercrimes

In a recent warning issued under the “Safe Summer” campaign, Abu Dhabi Police has called on parents to closely monitor their children during the summer holidays and to remain vigilant in protecting them from online threats such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and blackmail on websites, social media platforms, and electronic games.

The police stressed the importance of shielding children from online harassment, threats, grooming, and enticement to share personal photos and data, which could lead to their involvement in unethical activities. They also warned that criminal networks may exploit children to promote drugs by sending spam messages through social media platforms containing images, videos, and voice messages aimed at drug promotion.

Authorities cautioned against subscribing to or purchasing electronic games via unsecured websites, and emphasized the need to keep credit card information confidential. They advised only using secure and trusted websites that follow safe transaction protocols and recommended using prepaid or limited-balance cards to avoid falling victim to fraud or hacking. These scams often result in recurring deductions from bank accounts. The public is also urged not to interact with suspicious links or unreliable online stores, which often lure users into financial fraud by stealing money through banking credentials.

The community was also urged to remain alert when dealing with gaming websites targeted at children and teenagers, as these platforms often encourage in-game purchases that can impose financial burdens on parents. Moreover, some of these websites may collect sensitive banking information.

Abu Dhabi Police highlighted the “Aman Service”, a dedicated 24/7 security communication channel that receives reports related to security, community, and traffic matters. This service allows residents to confidentially contribute to crime prevention efforts. Reports can be made via:

Abu Dhabi Police revealed several tactics used to blackmail children and teenagers online, urging parents to increase supervision and avoid neglect. Some of these methods include:

To report cybercrimes or suspicious digital activity in the UAE, you can contact the following official entities:

To protect yourself and your family from cyber threats, Abu Dhabi Police recommends the following:

These guidelines aim to ensure a safe and secure digital environment for families throughout the UAE, especially during the summer break.