Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cybersecurity Council has raised concerns about the growing threat of online begging and fraudulent fundraising campaigns, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and ensure their charitable contributions reach legitimate beneficiaries through secure and officially verified channels.
Authorities have observed a surge in deceptive donation requests circulating on social media and various online platforms. These solicitations often claim to aid orphans, the underprivileged, the sick, or provide iftar meals and disaster relief. However, many of these appeals are orchestrated by fraudsters seeking financial gain.
To combat such fraudulent activities, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has called on the public to report any unauthorized fundraising efforts or suspicious donation requests. Residents can report these incidents through the helpline at 800623.
Severe Penalties for Unauthorized Fundraising
The UAE Public Prosecution has reiterated strict penalties for individuals or groups found guilty of organizing or promoting fundraising campaigns without proper authorization. As part of the Criminal Media Centre’s “Awareness” initiative, officials released a statement warning that violators—whether operating a website, managing an online platform, or posting fundraising content without a valid license—could face jail time and hefty fines ranging from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000.
Case Study: Online Charity Fraud
A real-life example shared by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on its “X” account highlighted the dangers of unverified donations. In this case, an individual created a WhatsApp group titled “The Path to Goodness,” adding multiple members and sending messages claiming, “Dear benefactors, I know a family of orphans whose eldest brother is struggling with debt due to their financial burdens.”
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Encouraging members to transfer donations to a personal bank account, the fraudster misused the collected funds for illegal activities rather than for the stated charitable purpose. The case underscores the importance of donating only through credible and officially sanctioned channels.
‘Donate Safely’ Campaign Launched
In response to these scams, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has launched the second phase of its “Donate Safely and Protect Your Money from Exploitation“ campaign. This initiative focuses on educating donors about verifying the legitimacy of fundraising organizations before making contributions.
The ministry emphasized the importance of compliance with Federal Law No. 3 of 2021, which governs fundraising activities in the UAE. This law ensures donor funds are protected and used for their intended purposes. Citizens are urged to report any unauthorized donation campaigns via the helpline at 800623.
Five Essential Tips to Avoid Online Scams
To help residents identify fraudulent donation schemes, the UAE Cybersecurity Council shared five key precautions:
- Verify Authenticity: Before donating, check the official websites and social media pages of registered charities or companies.
- Beware of Unrealistic Promises: Fraudsters often lure victims with exaggerated claims or suspiciously low donation amounts.
- Check Branding and Logos: Poor-quality logos and unclear images can signal fraudulent activity.
- Protect Personal Information: Banks and legitimate charities will never request sensitive financial details via email or text.
- Confirm Caller Identity: Always ensure that donation requests come from verified sources and never share personal information with unknown callers.
UAE’s Legal Framework for Fundraising
Legal expert Dr. Fatima Al-Neyadi explained that UAE law mandates prior authorization for all donation campaigns, whether conducted online or offline. These regulations are designed to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of funds. Key legal requirements include:
- Fundraising must be conducted by licensed charitable organizations only.
- Campaigns must clearly outline their purpose, detailing fund allocation and beneficiaries.
- All fundraising activities, whether digital or traditional, must be authorized in advance.
- The duration and operational costs deducted by the organizing charity must be explicitly stated.
Dr. Al-Neyadi further warned that individuals are strictly prohibited from launching fundraising campaigns on social media without official approval. This law safeguards donations, ensuring they reach those in genuine need rather than being misused for personal gain.
With Ramadan being a peak time for generosity, authorities strongly urge the public to donate responsibly and verify all charitable organizations before making contributions. By staying informed and cautious, donors can ensure their goodwill makes a real difference while avoiding potential scams.