How not to lose money online? UAE agency urges parents to exercise caution

Abu Dhabi: Nearly 31 per cent of parents in the UAE have suffered financial losses due to unauthorised purchases made by their children online, the UAE Cyber Security Council has said.

The Council warned of the risks associated with children’s addiction to online games, which it said can lead to unexpected costs, such as unauthorised purchases and fraudsters targeting credit card data.

The Council added that gaming addiction could prompt impulsive actions from children, such as unauthorised spending. One mother shared her experience, stating her child unintentionally spent $561.18 (Dh2,068) on in-app purchases.

The Council explained that addiction fosters impulsiveness, leading children to make purchases without understanding the consequences. Many games encourage quick purchases, making accidental transactions more likely.

Beyond unauthorised spending, gaming platforms are increasingly attracting fraudsters who target these platforms to steal credit card details.

The Council also warned about online child predation, cautioning that seemingly innocent chats through applications can turn into a dangerous trap when a criminal assumes a fake identity to lure children. “A single moment of inattention could expose your child to significant risks,” it added.

It also noted that baby monitoring devices in today’s connected world could pose significant cybersecurity risks if not properly secured. Weak passwords, outdated software, and unencrypted connections make these devices vulnerable to hacking, potentially allowing cybercriminals to spy on or even speak directly to children.

The Council highlighted that cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods for fraud, making it crucial to stay alert. Common tactics used by these cybercriminals include verification requests, fake cloud file-sharing notifications, fraudulent invoices, phoney delivery updates, requests for bank account details, attachments containing malware, and the theft of sensitive company information.

Here are some tips from the Council to keep your data, online shopping and children safe:

How to protect your credit card information:

Enable parental controls on your payment cards

Set spending limits

Try to use gift cards when possible instead of credit cards

Regularly review bank statements to identify suspicious activity

Use secure payment methods and avoid saving card details on websites

Ensure the website you are about to make a purchase in is secure — a secure URL should begin with “https” and look for a lock icon near your browser’s location field to ensure that the connection between your web browser and the website server is encrypted.

Verify sellers by checking reviews and credentials

How to protect your children:

-Educate children about online safety practices

-Teach them how to recognise warning signs of cybercriminals

— Keep them informed to protect against internet risks