Abu Dhabi police warn of online begging during Ramadan

Begging on WhatsApp is still begging…

Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world pay special attention to acts of charitable giving.

Alongside the many honest, worthy causes, there are also woefully cynical opportunists looking to take advantage of such good deeds.

This is why UAE authorities have been urging nationals and residents to donate only through approved channels and, where possible, do so online.

Begging is illegal in the UAE, and while beggars themselves are rare in the country for most of the year, the charitable spirit of Ramadan often triggers an increase in street bribery.

misfit media

With the proliferation of social media and digital communication technologies – beggars are increasingly finding opportunities to extort cash from their victims through these new forms of media.

These requests may take the form of seeking financial support for orphans, humanitarian crises, medical expenses, building mosques and schools in other countries. They may be sent to you via email, text message, WhatsApp, VOIP application or social media as text or written text – the language used may be complex or deliberately crafted and basic.

Online begging is considered a more effective way of soliciting money from people, mainly because of its reach and recyclability.

#our news | #Police in Abu Dhabi Beware of e-begging and its scams

detail:https://t.co/42jIDm9z24#begging pic.twitter.com/ni8kfSVxat

– Abu Dhabi Police (@ADPoliceHQ) April 6, 2023

begging is a crime

The Abu Dhabi Police have very clear advice on what to do if you come across a beggar while walking around the capital. Individuals are warned not to show sympathy in any way and to call police on 999, or via the Help Desk on 800 2626.

common beggar street tricks

Beggars use certain methods, ingenious deception techniques, to gain sympathy or trust in order to extract money from their victims.

What these tricks lack in sophistication, they often make up for in well-rehearsed and sincere performances.

Some of the more famous scams include pretending to be injured and asking for money to buy medication. Others make an emotional plea on behalf of a sick imaginary child lying in a hospital bed; then it’s about borrowing money to fix a car that’s broken down or out of gas.

Just repeating what was said above. You can definitely still make a big difference this Ramadan through the act of giving, just make sure it is done through the right channels.

Image: Unsplash

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