Shopping And ID Frauds Are Most Common In The UAE
Shopping scams and identity theft are now the most common types of fraud reported in the UAE, with investment scams trailing in third place. A recent study reveals that 1.77 scams are reported per victim on average, showing that scam victims are often targeted multiple times. Despite the high rate of scams, only 30% of the population reports these incidents to the authorities, according to the UAE Government’s Cybersecurity Council and TRENDS Research & Advisory.
The study was conducted in partnership with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and BioCatch, and its findings were shared during the third edition of the Global Media Congress. The research surveyed 1,964 UAE citizens, and the results offer a detailed picture of the ongoing battle against fraud in the region.
Read More: 4 Quick Ways to Report Online Scams in UAE
High Frequency of Scams
One of the key takeaways from the study is that 56% of UAE residents receive scam attempts at least once a month. Interestingly, only 12% of respondents said they rarely encounter scams. Furthermore, 43% of participants reported an increase in scams compared to the previous year, while 37% said they experienced fewer scams. This highlights the evolving nature of fraudulent activities in the UAE.
The Rise of AI-Driven Scams
The misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in scams is another alarming trend highlighted by the study. 50% of respondents believe they have encountered an AI-generated scam in the past year, while 30% are uncertain, and 20% are sure they were targeted by AI-based fraud. While the awareness of AI-generated text and images is high, there is less recognition of AI-powered chats and videos, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
How Scammers Operate
Scammers in the UAE mainly target victims through instant messaging platforms, with WhatsApp being the most commonly exploited app. Phone calls, SMS messages, and emails are also common methods used to reach victims. Scammers also misuse social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail to further their fraudulent schemes.
The study revealed that scams are often swift, with 49% of them being completed within 24 hours of initial contact. A significant portion of these scams (33%) are completed within minutes, while 7% involve a "long con" lasting over a year.
Financial Losses and Recovery
The financial impact of scams in the UAE is also concerning. On average, victims lose $2,194 to scams. Credit cards and bank transfers are the primary methods used by scammers to collect stolen funds, followed by PayPal and peer-to-peer payment apps. Unfortunately, only 9% of victims are able to recover their losses, while 57% attempt recovery but fail to get any money back.
The Emotional Toll of Scams
The emotional effects of falling victim to scams are significant. According to the study, 59% of victims reported experiencing strong emotional distress after being scammed. This has led to a reduction in trust in the internet, with 62% of the population feeling less confident in online interactions.
What Makes Scams Successful?
The success of scams often hinges on the ability to deceive and manipulate victims. 23% of respondents said they were enticed by the scammer's offer, while 30% admitted they failed to recognize the scam in time. Many individuals simply lack the knowledge to spot fraudulent activities, making them more susceptible to scams.
Preventive Measures and Reporting
Despite the growing number of scams, there are steps that people can take to protect themselves. The study found that 32% of respondents take precautions, such as checking email addresses and verifying website legitimacy before making purchases. Additionally, 30% of people share their experiences with family and friends to raise awareness.
However, a concerning 18% of respondents do not know where to report scams, and others believe that reporting would be too complicated or ineffective. This highlights the need for better public awareness and more accessible channels for reporting fraud.
Moving Forward: Combating Scams in the UAE
Scams, especially those related to shopping and identity theft, continue to be a major issue in the UAE. While the awareness of scams is high, many victims still fall prey to sophisticated tactics, including AI-driven fraud. It’s essential for individuals to stay vigilant, share their experiences, and report incidents to help combat the growing problem of scams in the region. The study emphasizes the need for more proactive measures from both the public and authorities to curb these fraudulent activities.