The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a strong warning against online donation scams and unauthorised fund-raising campaigns, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

As residents and citizens receive numerous appeals for donations on websites and social media, authorities urge the public to ensure their contributions reach legitimate organisations through secure and verified channels.

Online Scammers Exploit Ramadan for Fake Fund-Raising

Since the beginning of Ramadan, fraudulent donation requests have circulated online, claiming to support orphans, the sick, impoverished families, iftar meal distributions, or disaster relief efforts. These appeals often direct donors to unknown bank accounts, making them highly suspicious.

To combat this, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has urged the public to report any unauthorised fund-raising activities or suspicious donation requests via the official helpline at 800623.

Strict Penalties for Unlicensed Fund-Raising

The UAE Public Prosecution has reinforced strict penalties for those promoting or organising fund-raising activities without proper authorization.

In a social media awareness campaign, the Public Prosecution highlighted that:

• Anyone found guilty of operating or supervising a website for unauthorized fund-raising can face imprisonment.

• Fines for such violations range from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000.

Case Study: Online Fund-Raising Fraud Uncovered

A real-life case of online fraud was recently shared by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. A fraudster created a WhatsApp group titled “The Path to Goodness”, inviting multiple members and soliciting donations for a so-called orphaned family.

Claiming that the eldest brother was struggling with debt, he urged members to transfer donations to his personal bank account. However, instead of using the funds for charity, he withdrew the money to purchase illegal substances.

Government’s ‘Donate Safely’ Campaign

To prevent such scams, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has launched the second season of its “Donate Safely and Protect Your Money from Exploitation” campaign. This initiative educates donors about verifying fund-raising organisations before making contributions.

The campaign aligns with Federal Law No. 3 of 2021, which regulates fund-raising activities and ensures donor funds are protected. The ministry has reiterated that all individuals and corporations must comply with these regulations and report any unauthorised donation activities via 800623.

How to Avoid Online Donation Scams

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has shared five key tips to protect individuals from online donation fraud:

1. Verify Official Channels – Always confirm the legitimacy of charities through their official social media accounts and websites.

2. Be Wary of Unrealistic Offers – If a deal or donation request sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

3. Inspect Branding Elements – Low-quality logos or poorly designed websites may indicate fraudulent activities.

4. Protect Personal Information – Banks will never ask for credit card details or personal data via email or text messages.

5. Confirm Caller Identity – Legitimate UAE companies use verified caller IDs; never share sensitive information with unknown callers.

Fund-Raising Regulations in the UAE

All donation campaigns in the UAE requires prior authorisation. The country’s strict regulations ensure transparency by mandating:

• Donations must be collected by a licensed charitable organisation.

• The campaign must have a clearly defined purpose and beneficiary details.

• Approved fund-raising methods must be followed, whether online or offline.

• The campaign’s duration and operational costs must be specified.

Stay Vigilant and Donate Responsibly

As Ramadan continues, UAE authorities urge residents to remain cautious and only donate through authorised and secure platforms. By following regulations and verifying charities, individuals can contribute to meaningful causes while protecting themselves from fraud.

 

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