The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued an urgent public warning about a significant surge in online fraud attempts, as scammers increasingly use sophisticated, deceptive tactics via SMS, WhatsApp, email, and social media to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting residents. The alert, coordinated with Emirates Post Group and the Darb Platform, emphasizes the growing threat posed by cybercriminals who craft convincing messages designed to bypass traditional detection methods.
According to the joint advisory, fraudsters are circulating fake communications that prompt users to click on suspicious links and enter sensitive credit card details, or to take advantage of fraudulent discount offers that appear legitimate at first glance. The multi-channel distribution approach means residents face potential threats through virtually every digital communication method, making awareness and vigilance essential protective measures against financial loss and identity theft.
The warning arrives amid broader concerns about artificial intelligence making online scams increasingly difficult to detect. The Cyber Security Council has noted that AI-powered phishing techniques now account for more than 90 percent of digital security breaches, with scammers able to accomplish in seconds what previously required significant time and effort. These advanced tools enable criminals to generate realistic voice imitations, alter official logos with precision, and produce polished messages designed to create urgency and panic that bypasses rational decision-making.
Authorities have emphasized that legitimate organizations never request payment details, passwords, or one-time verification codes through unsolicited messages. Banks, government entities, and reputable companies maintain strict protocols that prohibit requesting sensitive information via SMS, email, or messaging applications. Any communication that demands immediate action, threatens account suspension, or offers prizes that seem too good to be true should be treated as potentially fraudulent, regardless of how official the message appears.
The advisory specifically warns against several common fraud tactics currently targeting UAE residents. These include fake messages about unclaimed prizes or lottery winnings, despite the recipient never entering any competition; alerts claiming bank accounts have been blocked that pressure users to act immediately; fraudulent discount offers on travel tickets or restaurant bookings through social media platforms; and investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns through unverified trading platforms. In one documented case, a victim lost 42,000 dirhams after engaging with a bogus trading platform advertised through social media.
Security experts recommend several practical measures to reduce vulnerability to online fraud. Users should enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, particularly email, banking, and social media platforms. Never share Emirates ID details, passport numbers, banking information, or one-time passwords via text, email, or social media under any circumstances. Before clicking links, verify the sender's identity through official channels by accessing the organization's website directly rather than via embedded links. Install reputable security software and keep it up to date to detect and block malicious websites and phishing attempts.
The Cyber Security Council has advised anyone encountering suspected fraud attempts to avoid clicking any links and to report the incidents immediately to the relevant police authorities, providing all available details and evidence. Residents can file reports through the Ministry of Interior's eCrime platform, the Dubai Police eCrime portal, the Aman service by calling 8002626, or through the dedicated cybercrime reporting number 8004888 for online extortion cases. Police departments across all emirates maintain specialized cybercrime units equipped to respond promptly through digital platforms.
This warning forms part of the UAE's ongoing Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, now in its second year, which continues across social media platforms as part of broader efforts to promote safe online behavior and strengthen confidence in the country's digital ecosystem amid rapid technological change. As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, authorities stress that public awareness, careful scrutiny of digital communications, and proactive protection measures remain the most effective defenses against evolving cyber threats in an increasingly connected society.