Abu Dhabi Police have recovered Dh140 million from online fraud cases over the past two years and returned it to victims. The force handled over 15,600 cybercrime cases and launched a new “Be Careful” campaign to educate the public about digital scams and strengthen community protection against growing cyber threats.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have successfully recovered Dh140 million obtained through various online fraud operations and returned the funds to their rightful owners over the past two years. The announcement highlights the growing challenge of cybercrime in the emirate, where authorities have handled 15,642 cases of digital fraud during the same period.
The figures were revealed at a press conference attended by senior officials, including Brigadier Rashid Khalaf Al Dhaheri, Director of the Criminal Investigations Department at Abu Dhabi Police, Colonel Saif Ali Al Jabri, Deputy Director of the Community Police Department, and other senior officers.
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During the event, Abu Dhabi Police launched a new edition of the “Be Careful” campaign — a major public awareness initiative designed to warn residents about the latest forms of cybercrime and promote digital safety.
The campaign aims to strengthen community awareness, enhance public knowledge of online risks, and encourage safe digital behaviour. It supports the National Cybersecurity Strategy by focusing on education, prevention, and building confidence in digital government services.
Officials said that as cybercriminals adopt more sophisticated methods, public awareness remains the strongest line of defence. The campaign’s educational programmes are designed to inform residents about new types of fraud and equip them with the skills to detect and report suspicious activity.
The “Be Careful” campaign highlights nine key areas where cybercriminals often target victims. These include:
Phone scams impersonating officials or service providers.
Fake links and phishing websites that steal personal information.
Risks of downloading remote access software that grants hackers control of devices.
Fake requests for deposits for premium numbers or vehicles.
Fraudulent job offers and employment scams.
Accepting friend requests from unknown users on social media.
Misleading online advertisements and investment schemes.
Fraudulent property and rental deals.
Digital investment scams promising unrealistic profits.
Abu Dhabi Police urged the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of all online communications before sharing any personal or financial information.
Officials noted that cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing global threats, with scammers increasingly using social engineering, fake websites, and emotional manipulation to deceive victims.
Brigadier Al Dhaheri said the force continues to enhance its digital investigation capabilities, including advanced systems for tracking and recovering stolen funds. He also praised the cooperation between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and the public in identifying and dismantling cybercriminal networks.
“The proactive efforts of Abu Dhabi Police reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting community members from financial and emotional harm caused by cybercrime,” Al Dhaheri said. “Raising awareness is key to preventing people from falling victim to these evolving threats.”
Colonel Saif Al Jabri added that community engagement is central to the campaign’s success. “We want every resident to be aware that simple precautions — such as avoiding suspicious links, not sharing OTPs, and verifying calls — can make a significant difference,” he said.
The “Be Careful” campaign will be promoted through traditional and digital media, social networks, and public events to reach all segments of society.
The force reaffirmed that it will continue to act decisively against cybercriminals, combining technology, investigation, and community partnerships to ensure a safer digital environment across the UAE.
