Have you been a victim of an internet scam in the UAE and do not know who to report it to? Have you gotten lost, stressed, or even frightened about how to go about it? The cybercrimes that are on a high wave in the UAE are online fraud, phishing, identity theft, fake job offers, and social media scams. A significant majority of the victims will take a long time to report, which is primarily due to a lack of confidence in the right, official, and legal process. It makes the process of recovery generally hard because of procrastination.
In this guide on reporting cybercrime in the UAE, step by step, using the government websites.
- Dubai Police website
- UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI)
- Abu Dhabi Police Aman
The goal is simple help you take immediate, safe, and legal action with confidence.
What Is Cyber Crime in the UAE?
Cybercrime in the UAE can be defined as any malpractice committed over the internet, digital gadgets or the internet which contravenes the cyber laws of the UAE.
There are cyber crimes in the UAE law that involve offenses committed by means:
- Internet websites and platforms.
- Mobile applications
- Emails and messaging apps
- Social media networks
- Digital payment systems
UAE has stringent laws on cybercrime to safeguard citizens, companies, and computer networks. Cybercrime reporting is not only permitted but also highly encouraged by law enforcement.
Types of Cyber Crimes You Can Report in the UAE
A wide variety of online crimes can be reported using official UAE sites, and they include:
- Internet fraud and money laundering.
- The phishing emails and counterfeit websites.
- Hacking social media accounts.
- Identity theft
- False employment and recruitment fraud.
- Blackmail or extortion online.
- E-commerce fraud
- Check fraud and credit card fraud.
- WhatsApp, SMS, or email scams
- Fraud on the Internet.
In case the crime occurred online or digitally, it is considered a cyberspace crime.
Method 1: Report Cyber Crime Using the Dubai Police Website
Step 1: Visit the Official Dubai Police Website
Open the actual Dubai police website with a secure internet browser.
Step 2: Access Online Services
On the homepage, go to the Online Services section.
Step 3: Select Cyber Crime or eCrime Service
Select the eCrime Reporting option and click on the same.
Step 4: Start a New Complaint
Select the alternative of making a new cybercrime report.
Step 5: Enter Personal Information
Enter your personal information in the form in accordance with the form.
Step 6: Describe the Cyber Crime Incident
Be very clear and specify what transpired and on which dates and platforms.
Step 7: Submit the Report
Read everything and fill in your cybercrime complaint.
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Method 2: Report Cyber Crime via the MOI UAE Website
Step 1: Visit the MOI UAE Official Website
Visit the ministry of interior (MOI) of the UAE.
Step 2: Open E-Services Section
Select E-Services on the main menu.
Step 3: Choose Cyber Crime Reporting Service
Go to the list of services and choose the Cyber Crime Reporting.
Step 4: Log In to Your Account
Sign in using UAE Pass or your registered MOI account.
Step 5: Complete the Cyber Crime Report Form
Complete the online complaint form by providing the correct and factual incident information.
Step 6: Attach Evidence
Include screenshots, records, web addresses, or any proof of the cybercrime.
Step 7: Submit the Complaint
Introduce the form to be officially reviewed and followed up.
Method 3: Report Cyber Crime Using Abu Dhabi Police Aman Website
Step 1: Visit Abu Dhabi Police Aman Website
Go to the Ajman site of Abu Dhabi Police.
Step 2: Select Cyber Crime Reporting Option
Select the category of reporting Cyber Crime.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Cyber Crime
Choose what type of cybercrime fits your case.
Step 4: Enter Incident Details
Be accurate with the data on what was done on the cybercrime, how it was done, and when.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Evidence
Include screenshots, links, chat logs, or any other supporting materials.
Step 6: Submit the Report
Send the report either quietly or with your personal information.
What Information Do You Need Before Reporting Cyber Crime
To expedite the handling of a complaint, analyze the following before filing a complaint:
- Emirates ID or personal information.
- Date and time of the incident
- Explanation of the course of action.
- Screenshots of messages, emails, or profiles
- Transaction receipts or payment proof
- Involved URLs, usernames, or phone numbers.
Clear and accurate information enhances speed during investigation.
What Happens After You Report a Cyber Crime?
Once you submit your complaint:
- Authorities review the case
- Evidence is verified
- Cybercrime experts are put in charge of the case.
- You may be contacted in case of further information.
- The additional step is given depending on the UAE law.
Depending on the complexity of the case, it might require time to conduct a case investigation.
Tips to Stay Safe from Cyber Crime in the UAE
It is preventable and better than curable. Follow these safety tips:
- Never share OTPs or passwords
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Check websites before making a payment.
- Trust in two-factor authentication.
- Unsolicited job offers are something not to be trusted.
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Staying alert reduces risk significantly.
Protect Yourself from Cyber Crimes in the UAE
Be Careful with Personal Information Online
Do not post sensitive personal details on platforms that one does not trust. In most instances, cyber criminals dress up as banks, delivery service providers, or government officials.
- Keep OTPs, PINs, and passwords to yourself.
- Do not make such copies of your Emirates ID or passport over the Internet.
- Do not respond to suspicious emails or messages
Personal information is not requested by the official authorities of the UAE in messages or calls.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links and Attachments
Many cyber crimes are initiated by one click.
- Do not click on links that are sent by strangers.
- Watch out for time-sensitive or urgent offers.
- Do not download attachments of emails that are not known.
- Always check the website URL before entering details
When a link appears suspicious then do not open it.
Secure Your Social Media Accounts
Hackers and scammers will most probably attack the social media accounts.
- The used passwords must be highly unique and strong.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Do not accept friend requests from strangers.
- Put no personal information in an open place.
You might wish to change your password in case something suspicious occurs with your account.
Use Secure Online Payment Methods
Two prime points of cyber fraud are online shopping and online payments.
- Make purchases only on reliable sites.
- Do not pay through the public Wi-Fi.
- Do not store the card information on unrecognized websites.
- Monitor your bank statements regularly
In case you find some transactions that were not authorized, then report.
FAQs About Reporting Cyber Crime in the UAE
In the UAE, is cybercrime free to report?
Yes. Avoidable charges are not charged when reporting cybercrime through the official UAE platforms.
Are expats reporting UAE cybercrime?
Yes. Cyber crimes can be reported legally by the UAE residents and expatriates.
What is the time taken to investigate cybercrime in the UAE?
The time spent on investigation is subject to such factors as the difficulty of the case and the presented evidence.
Is it possible to report anonymously to cybercrime?
Confidential reporting occurs on some platforms, although a complete investigation may require the verification of identity.
May I report cybercrime on behalf?
Yes, but supporting evidence and details are required.
What is the case of the cybercrime that occurs outside the UAE?
In case the influence took place in the UAE, it is possible to report it using the MOI or local police portals.
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Final Words
In the UAE, cybercrime is easy to report, it is legal, and highly recommended by the authorities. The government of the UAE has also offered safe online spaces where victims will be able to take immediate and safe steps.
There is no need to wait until you are a victim of an online scam, a computer attack or any other digital danger. The incident should be reported in the nearest time by the official means mentioned above- Dubai Police, MOI, or Abu Dhabi Police Aman.
