Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to residents about growing incidents of online cybercrimes, including blackmail, bullying, and extortion.

The Police advised youngsters to steer clear from accepting online friendship requests from strangers and to beware of dating sites and applications.

Police have also urged caution against children falling prey to online blackmailers, who often disguise themselves as young women. They post fake pictures of young women on social media platforms to lure youngsters and ask for their personal information in a bid to blackmail them.

Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Police stressed parents to monitor their children’s online activities to avoid a recurrence of these untoward incidents and be vigilant about the social media content that the kids consume.

“Parents should discourage their children from interacting with strangers online and avoid sharing their personal information with any unknown person,” the statement read.

He cautioned that scammers might pose as women to gain victims’ trust, and then use their personal photographs in a bid to blackmail them to extract money.

The public has been urged to report cybercrimes by making a call to the Aman service's hotline number (8002626).