UAE Ministry Of Interior And Visa Launch Campaign Against Fraud And E-Crime

The UAE Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police General Headquarters, and Visa have launched a campaign titled "Don’t Talk to Strangers Has No Age Limit." This initiative aims to educate the public on protecting themselves from fraud and cybercrime. The collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in safeguarding society against digital threats.

The campaign underscores the growing threat of fraudsters targeting individuals through social media and mobile phones. It emphasises the need for digital literacy and vigilance. By taking conscious steps, individuals can protect themselves in the digital world. The initiative aims to empower all community members with knowledge and tools to combat fraud.

Brigadier Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Ahmad, Deputy Director General of the Federal Criminal Police, stressed the Ministry's dedication to enhancing community partnerships. He noted that this partnership with Visa and Dubai Police reflects the Ministry's commitment to improving digital security. The goal is to prevent electronic fraud by collaborating with strategic partners across sectors.

Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for UAE, expressed pride in partnering with the UAE Ministry of Interior. She stated, "Visa is proud to partner with the UAE Ministry of Interior for this important campaign to protect consumers and local communities from fraud and cyberattacks." Gutieva highlighted that empowering people with knowledge is crucial in defending against scams.

The 360-degree campaign will utilise social media and out-of-home channels creatively. Children will humorously remind parents about online safety, flipping traditional roles. This approach highlights that online safety concerns everyone, regardless of age. Educational content will be tailored by nationality, addressing relevant fraud types for each audience group.

The campaign draws insights from Visa’s ninth annual Stay Secure study. It reveals that while UAE consumers are becoming more proactive in securing digital transactions, many remain vulnerable to fraud. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness and understanding of fraud prevention strategies.

Broader Collaboration Efforts

This campaign is part of a larger collaboration involving the UAE Ministry of Interior, Visa, and police headquarters across the UAE. They aim to engage directly with schools and blue-collar workers through in-person education sessions. These efforts seek to further strengthen public awareness about fraud prevention.

As digital payments evolve rapidly, so do associated risks. Global Visa data shows that last year alone, $40 billion in fraudulent payment value was blocked, preventing 80 million fraudulent transactions. This reflects Visa's ongoing investment in AI-powered fraud prevention and consumer protection measures.

The joint efforts between these entities highlight a shared responsibility in creating a secure digital environment for all residents in the UAE. By raising awareness and providing necessary tools, they aim to ensure a safe online space for everyone.

With inputs from WAM