UAE police warn of 4 tricks used to steal bank accounts

These include paying online while connected to a public Wi-Fi network, opening suspicious links requesting bank data to be updated, posting and sharing personal information on social media, and sharing bank details with others.

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Brig Mohamed Ahmad Al Shaer, Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, Fujairah Police, said police have launched a month-long campaign to develop public awareness against cybercrimes and online scammers.

"The 'Beware cybercrime' drive is in line with the strategic objectives of the UAE Ministry of Interior, which are meant to promote and ensure safety and security nationwide."

It is illegal to threaten to share some information about a person to the public, their friends or family unless a demand is met, Brig Al Shaer underlined.

"This can be committed against individuals, companies and even governments and often involve financial gain, sexual exploitation or defamation."

Many IT experts have warned that organised cybercriminal groups were now increasingly becoming active and structured. Police across the UAE have intensified cyber patrols in response to track and detect suspicious social media accounts and cybercrimes.

In February this year, the Abu Dhabi Police announced the detention of a phone scam gang who had been duping residents out of their money after illegally obtaining their bank details.