Abu Dhabi Police warns against fraud and cyber extortion

Abu Dhabi Police warned both citizens and residents against falling prey to cyber fraud and extortion, urging them to avoid disclosing their personal information and bank account numbers and not to fall for misleading ads on particular sites on the Web.

As part of an awareness-raising initiative aimed at combating cybercrimes, the Abu Dhabi Police also urged community members to exercise caution when using social networking sites and refrain from sharing personal data or photos.

Furthermore, ADP noted that cybercrimes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are still not as dangerous and widespread compared to other global cities.

It indicated that cybercrimes can be curtailed through concerted efforts with individuals; and community awareness is the first line of defense in addressing these negative issues.

Colonel Dr Rashid Mohammed Borshid , Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), stressed the need to be wary of advertising sites that  mislead shoppers.

He warned community members against the negative aspects of online dating; urging them to be cautious and refrain from sharing personal data or photos on these sites.

Moreover, he pointed out that a new federal law has been enacted to prevent the use of these sites for defamation, threat, extortion, and spreading rumors.
He also indicated that users of social networking sites reveal too many personal details while chatting with strangers, which makes them easy targets for hackers who steal their files and download their pictures and videos to extort money from them.

On the same note, he explained that stolen data may be used to create fake accounts, which hackers use on social networking sites to mislead the victim's friends and relatives, harass them and extort money from them.

“To prevent cyber attacks and identity thefts, individuals need to be careful how and to whom they disclose their personal data; refrain from uploading personal photographs, and turn off their device’s camera. They also need to review and adjust the privacy settings, and determine who has access to personal data”, added Colonel Borshid.

Colonel Borshid emphasized the need to check the validity of modern payment methods in commercial or financial transactions, particularly when paying large amounts of money. He also noted that some websites lure online shoppers into believing they are operating from within the State, only to discover the scam after sending a wire transfer.

“The Abu Dhabi Police took early notice of these crimes, and set up a branch at the CID’s Organised Crime section to combat cybercrimes. The branch monitors suspected activities and takes legal and technical action against them, particularly in light of cybercrimes evolution and theft of bank account information through devices’ software maintenance or anti-virus software, or through accounts hacking,” stated Colonel Borshid.

He noted that specialised police teams receive notifications and browse websites to identify and locate the suspects.

Moreover, he added that the Abu Dhabi Police has a forensic laboratory to examine electronic evidence.

“The cybercrimes rate in Abu Dhabi is still limited compared to many cities around the world. Most of them are still in safe levels and do not represent a dangerous issue. Nevertheless, it is a scourge that must be curtailed through concerted efforts with community members,” affirmed Colonel Borshid.

Head of the CID advised computer and smart devices’ users to prevent electronic breaches by using accredited and reliable anti-virus software; regularly changing their passwords; reporting any suspicious website, and not to add or accept unknown persons. 

He also emphasised the importance of family supervision when children use computers or smart phones to surf the Web; and the need to report any legal violations.

“It is vitally important to notify the police ASAP when any individual falls prey to cybercrime; to ensure the proper search and investigation operations, and the quick identification and arrest of offenders.

This would deter anyone who even contemplates committing a cybercrime”, indicated Colonel Borshid.

He also warned community members against the dangers of cybercrime and suspicious websites, urging them not to be too trustful of strangers and fraudulent emails that indicate a financial prize; or any other suspicious activities such as emails informing individuals of inheriting money from a deceased relative.

The head of CID also advised community members against opening anonymous links, files and e-mails, urging them to use more complex password that contains numbers, letters and symbols on a regular basis; and avoid writing the password down or giving it to others.

Concluding, he stressed the need to use accredited and reliable anti-virus software, and to update them regularly.

He also advised individuals to download secure operating systems, and reliable applications to prevent any cyber attacks on outdated programmes.

Colonel Borshid also called on internet users to activate privacy settings on social networking sites, avoid sharing personal information, and secure their wireless networks against hacking.

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