Warning issued against begging on WhatsApp

iStock/Zephyr18

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a reminder to residents, warning them to look out for messages asking for help illegally on WhatsApp and other social media.

According to the capital’s police force, organized gangs have been running such scams online during the holy month of Ramadan.

They said electronic begging is very similar to traditional begging.

Residents are targeted randomly and receive messages containing fabricated stories, purportedly from individuals in need. 

These messages also promise to transfer the money to fictitious charitable organisations and individuals.

Abu Dhabi Police have urged people to ignore such requests as they are illegal. 

Residents can also report messages to authorities who will take the necessary legal measures.

The Command and Control Centre can be contacted on 999 or through the toll-free number 8002626 (AMAN2626) or via text messages (2828). 

More from Local News

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed receives condolences on passing of Sheikh Ahmed

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continued to receive condolences at Zabeel Majlis on Wednesday following the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

  • UAE welcomes US statement on Sudan peace efforts

    The UAE has welcomed a United States statement supporting efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, including a call for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce and a commitment to a comprehensive political dialogue leading to civilian rule.

  • UAE President and Rulers offer condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other Rulers, offered their condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

  • UAE among global leaders in nuclear security progress

    The United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in the 2026 Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) Nuclear Security Index, ranking fourth out of 48 countries assessed for protecting nuclear facilities against sabotage.

News

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed receives condolences on passing of Sheikh Ahmed

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continued to receive condolences at Zabeel Majlis on Wednesday following the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

  • UAE welcomes US statement on Sudan peace efforts

    The UAE has welcomed a United States statement supporting efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, including a call for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce and a commitment to a comprehensive political dialogue leading to civilian rule.

  • UAE President and Rulers offer condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other Rulers, offered their condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.