Dubai Police combat mobile phone hackers, emphasise on prompt reporting

The Dubai Police have confirmed that they are pursuing hackers who use WhatsApp to steal data and request bank card information.

Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Yamahi, Director of the Anti-Cybercrime Department at Dubai Police's General Department of Criminal Investigation, warned community members not to become complacent about reporting attempts to hack smartphones or violate digital privacy.

He emphasised that prompt reporting helps identify the perpetrators and protect victims from blackmail or data theft.

He said that some fraudsters use sophisticated fraudulent methods to convince victims to share their banking information, exploiting the public's trust in official authorities.

He explained that the eCrime.ae platform is the official channel for receiving reports to the Dubai Police, where individuals can file an electronic complaint in minutes, attaching evidence such as suspicious messages or hacking links. The Dubai Police app can also be used to easily file reports from smartphones.

He emphasised that the police handle all reports with complete confidentiality and that specialist teams analyse data and track the source of breaches using the latest digital technologies. He emphasised that the police possess the technical and legal capabilities to combat cybercrime.

He urged the public to be digitally aware and to avoid downloading applications from unknown sources or opening suspicious links. He also urged them to update their phone systems regularly, use strong passwords and activate two-factor authentication.

He urged anyone who is exposed to any type of electronic blackmail or smart device hacking to contact the relevant authorities via official platforms or visit the nearest police station without hesitation.

Major Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Cyber Investigations Department at Dubai Police, confirmed that hacking and fraud methods have recently become more prevalent, with hackers resorting to sending WhatsApp messages from familiar names, asking recipients to click on a link to join a group. The aim is then to steal data through the user's WhatsApp account. Hackers may also resort to other methods, such as requesting bank card information using details known to the recipient. Therefore, caution is required.

He also warned against responding to fraudulent calls and links to fake scam websites that are currently circulating on social media. These websites exploit events, activities and occasions in order to prey on the public by offering them services, temptations and fake benefits.

He highlighted the resurgence of deceptive methods employed by fraudsters and swindlers to lure in victims with misleading offers. These methods involve obtaining information related to bank accounts and then using this data to withdraw funds.

He urged people to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to never share their confidential information with anyone. This includes account and card information, online banking passwords, ATM PINs and CCV numbers. Bank employees will never ask for this information.

He also urged people to activate security software to effectively remove malicious websites containing electronic codes aimed at stealing savings and to avoid false temptations. The platform can be accessed via this link: https://ecrimehub.gov.ae/ar