As online scams become increasingly advanced, particularly through social media and mobile platforms, the UAE is enhancing its efforts to protect residents. A nationwide campaign, “Don’t Talk to Strangers… Advice for All Ages,” has been launched to increase awareness and shield people from fraud.
This campaign will utilize social media and outdoor advertising, featuring innovative messages that reverse the typical parent-child roles: kids reminding their parents about online safety. This approach emphasizes that fraud prevention is crucial for everyone, regardless of age or community. Educational materials will address common scams, from social media phishing to mobile phone fraud.
Beyond media efforts, the initiative will host in-person sessions at schools and workplaces throughout the UAE, engaging directly with communities to promote safe online habits.
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The Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, and Visa, a global payments leader, have launched this initiative to raise awareness about the rising cybercrime risks and provide practical tools for digital protection across the UAE. This underscores the vital role of digital literacy and vigilance in safeguarding the digital realm through deliberate, concrete actions.
Officials highlight the campaign as a testament to the nation’s dedication to building a secure and robust digital economy, emphasizing the significance of public-private partnerships in tackling online threats.
Brigadier Abdul Aziz Al Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Federal Criminal Police at the Ministry of Interior, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with communities to support the UAE government’s vision.
He noted that partnering with Visa and Dubai Police enhances ongoing efforts to bolster digital security and protect individuals from online fraud. He stressed that ensuring a safe digital environment is a collective duty, with public-private collaboration being crucial.
The campaign aims to reach all societal segments, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to recognize and counter fraud and cybercrime, ensuring a safer digital space for everyone.
Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager of Visa in the UAE, expressed pride in supporting this initiative. “As fraud grows more intricate, we believe knowledge serves as the first line of defense.”
Based on insights from Visa’s annual Stay Secure study, the initiative arises as UAE consumers adopt more proactive digital safety measures, though many are still vulnerable to scams. The campaign also includes nationwide in-person awareness sessions in schools and workplaces.
In 2024, Visa reported successfully preventing $40 billion worth of fraudulent payments globally, blocking 80 million attempted transactions. The company continues investing in AI-driven security solutions to protect consumers.
Warning Against Online Fraud
This initiative follows recent warnings from the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Abu Dhabi Police, advising residents to be cautious with calls or messages from unknown sources.
Authorities warned that such interactions often lead to phishing and online scams, a growing challenge for the community.
“The variety and sophistication of methods, along with evolving digital tools, have made online fraud more complex. It now exploits digital services, smart apps, and online networks, making detection challenging until after the crime occurs,” stated the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
