Raising alarm over the spread of cybercrimes and blackmailing cases, the Sharjah Police on Monday (April 1) launched a month-long awareness campaign to prevent residents - particularly university students - from falling victim to online fraud.

Social media, the police said, is the primary tool used by fraudsters these days. And with the youth being the most active users of social media, the campaign will focus on educating them about online safety.

The month-long 'Beware of the Risks of Cyber Blackmailing' campaign is aligned with the Ministry of Interior's national strategy to ensure public safety and security.

Capt Mohsen Ahmed, director of the cybercrime department of the Sharjah Police, said preventing cybercrimes starts with the safe and proper usage of the Internet.

English, Arabic and Urdu brochures - which outline how to use the Internet safely - will be distributed to students in various universities.

"We will provide them with the essential information on how to avoid electronic blackmailing and how to deal with fraudsters on social media," Capt Ahmed said.

According to him, one rule of thumb for social media users is: Never send photos to strangers.

"Using various social media platforms, a fraudster would initially show interest in getting to know a target victim. This would be followed by voice requests and video conversations. Then, once scammers get the opportunity, they could start blackmailing their victims, telling them they would upload and circulate the photos and videos if they don't give in to their demands," the officer said.

He said the police have already received such cases through their special hotline number and e-mail for cybercrimes. The Sharjah Police's cybercrime team can be reached through 065943228 or via e-mail at tech_crimes@shjpolice.gov.ae.

"Regardless of what blackmailers say, victims must report the harassment to the police as soon as they can. They should also do their best not to give in to the demands of the scammers," said Capt Ahmed.

Colonel Ibrahim Mussabah Al Ajil, director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sharjah Police, said as many as 90 cybercrime cases were handled by the team in 2018. These include blackmailing and financial scams.

Recently, the police were able to solve 29 blackmail cases, promptly arresting the perpetrators.

"These crimes are growing rapidly, and current statistics are not precise enough because many cases remain unreported," Col Al Ajil said.

He urged parents to communicate with their children more often and start dialogues on Internet safety.

Golden rules for social media safety

>Never talk to strangers

>Never share photos with strangers

>Avoid taking selfies using cameras that are embedded on websites or apps

>As soon as you receive threats or suspicious messages, report the issue to the police

>Don't entertain unauthorised messages saying that say you've won a prize

Copyright © 2019 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.