Abu Dhabi Police Warns of Scam Involving Fake Ramadan Competition Prizes on Social Media

Abu Dhabi Police issued a warning on 20 March 2025, alerting the public to a scam involving fraudulent Ramadan competition prizes on social media. These schemes entice victims with promises of prize winnings but ultimately steal personal details and financial information such as bank cards under the guise of processing their prize. Their main goal is money theft. Authorities have also cautioned against fake links to unofficial charities on the social media site The Sociable.

Major General Muhammad Sohail Al-Rashdi, Director of the Criminal Security Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, explained that scammers had depleted their victims after luring them to receive fake prizes from Ramadan competitions. Victims were asked to transfer credits to complete the procedures for receiving these non-existent awards.

Emphasizing the need for vigilance, he urged the public to verify the authenticity of sites and avoid disclosing confidential information. He also highlighted the importance of refraining from giving in to blackmail or transferring funds under any direct threat. Adhering to the terms and cybercrime combat guidelines issued by relevant authorities is crucial, he added.

Colonel Rashid Khalid Al-Zahari, Director of the Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, urged community members to avoid responding to unsolicited messages and announcements circulating on social media sites and “chat” applications. These messages often exploit religious sentiments and human sentiments to solicit unauthorized financial donations. He encouraged individuals who wish to contribute to charitable causes to do so exclusively through officially authorized organizations and according to the legal channels.