Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Abu Dhabi Police has issued a renewed warning about the dangers of engaging with strangers online, cautioning residents against cyber blackmail schemes that could lead to financial and personal harm. In its latest public awareness campaign, the police emphasized that blackmail is a serious crime punishable under UAE law. The warning comes amid rising cases of online extortion, where fraudsters manipulate victims into sending money or personal information under threat. "Cyber blackmail is a criminal offense, and victims should never comply with an extortionist’s demands," according to Abu Dhabi Police. Instead, they urged individuals to report such incidents immediately through official channels. Victims can seek confidential assistance 24/7 via the Aman service by calling the toll-free number 8002626 (AMAN2626), sending an SMS to 2828, or emailing aman@adpolice.gov.ae. Authorities continue to produce dramatized awareness videos based on real cases to educate the public on how cybercriminals operate. These campaigns highlight common tactics used by blackmailers, such as impersonating acquaintances, manipulating victims into sharing sensitive content, and threatening to leak personal information unless a ransom is paid. Under UAE law, cyber extortion carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years and fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. If the threat involves coercion into criminal activity or dishonorable acts, the penalty increases to up to 10 years in jail. Residents are advised to exercise caution when interacting with unknown individuals on social media and to avoid sharing private details online. "Awareness is the first line of defense," the police stated. "If you encounter suspicious behavior, report it immediately to protect yourself and others." ICA/Expat Media
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