Authorities warn of rise in online begging

Police urge public to ignore unknown advertisements, social media messages

- BY ALI AL HAMMADI Reporter

Each year during the holy month of Ramadan, incidents of so-called “online begging” reemerge, as fraudsters exploit the prevailing atmosphere of compassion and generosity to solicit financial assistance from donors through internet platforms and social media. Authorities have warned the public against engaging with such appeals, stressing that charitable donations and zakat payments must only be made through officially licensed and accredited organisations in the UAE.

‘Stay Alert’ awareness