emirates7 -
-Authorities reminded the public that online begging is a criminal offence under UAE law, carrying penalties of up to three months in jail and fines of no less than Dh10,000
The Dubai Police have warned residents against falling victim to online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to engage with suspicious donation appeals circulating on websites and social media platforms.
In a statement issued on February 16, the Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised beggars exploit the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with Ramadan to obtain unlawful financial gains.
Authorities stressed that all donations and zakat contributions should be made only through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE.
The police highlighted that Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes criminalises online begging. Under Article 51 of the law, anyone who commits begging through information technology means, whether by solicitation or any other method, faces imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.
The force called on members of the public to report beggars by contacting the toll-free number 901, using the Police Eye service available on the Dubai Police smart application, or reporting cases through the official E-Crime platform.
The warning comes as part of the force's annual campaign that aims to address both individual and organised begging, promote preventive measures and strengthen community awareness about the importance of donating only through official channels.
-Authorities reminded the public that online begging is a criminal offence under UAE law, carrying penalties of up to three months in jail and fines of no less than Dh10,000
The Dubai Police have warned residents against falling victim to online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to engage with suspicious donation appeals circulating on websites and social media platforms.
In a statement issued on February 16, the Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised beggars exploit the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with Ramadan to obtain unlawful financial gains.
Authorities stressed that all donations and zakat contributions should be made only through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE.
The police highlighted that Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes criminalises online begging. Under Article 51 of the law, anyone who commits begging through information technology means, whether by solicitation or any other method, faces imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.
The force called on members of the public to report beggars by contacting the toll-free number 901, using the Police Eye service available on the Dubai Police smart application, or reporting cases through the official E-Crime platform.
The warning comes as part of the force's annual campaign that aims to address both individual and organised begging, promote preventive measures and strengthen community awareness about the importance of donating only through official channels.
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