UAE Launches Nationwide Campaign to Combat Online Fraud

The UAE has introduced a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and protect communities because online fraud is becoming more complicated and targeting residents through social media, messaging apps, and phone calls. Hence, the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, and global payments leader Visa revealed the new initiative titled “Don’t Talk to Strangers… Advice for All Ages”. 

A Community-Focused Approach to Cybersecurity against online fraud

The campaign uses creative storytelling by flipping the traditional child-parents dynamic. Instead of parents warning children, this initiative shows that children are telling their parents to stay safe online. Hence, it highlights that fraud prevention is relevant to every age group and community in the UAE. 

Social media phishing, fake investment schemes, and mobile phone fraud are key topics that will be covered in the educational content of this campaign. Moreover, in-person sessions will also be conducted at schools and workplaces throughout the nation. Thus, the campaign aims to make cybersecurity knowledge accessible to everyone, like teenagers, professionals, and retirees. 

Public–Private Partnerships Driving Security

 The Federal Criminal Police’s Deputy Director, Brigadier Abdul Aziz Al Ahmed, stressed that protecting the digital world needs shared responsibility. He said, “Partnership with global leaders like Visa empowers our efforts to keep residents safe.”

 Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, also shared, “As fraud becomes more complicated, knowledge is the first line of defense. Our commitment is to support customers with tools to recognize and resist fans.”

Visa protected 40 billion worth of fraudulent payments globally in 2024. In addition, the company blocks 80 million transactions attempted through AI-driven tools. 

Growing Risks Highlighted by Authorities

The campaign comes after the fresh warnings from the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Abu Dhabi Police, where both authorities requested residents to stay alert to fraud calls or messages. Officials warned that online scams now spoil the digital services, apps, and online platforms in highly deceptive ways. So, it makes detection difficult until after the crime happens. 

Safeguarding the UAE’s Digital Economy

Authorities highlighted that the campaign protects people and strengthens the vision of the UAE to protect and resilient digital economy. Moreover, this campaign is combining government leadership, private-public expertise, and‌ community participation. Thus, the campaign is a significant step toward making the United Arab Emirates (UAE) one of the safest digital environments throughout the world. However, residents should also make efforts to make this initiative a big success. 

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