The Ras Al Khaimah Police have one again warned the public, especially young girls, against posting their personal information and pictures on social media or sharing the same with unknown and untrustworthy people, as 800 online exploitation cases were reported in the emirate alone last year. In one case, Dh1 million was extorted from a victim by a blackmailer.
Brigadier Najm Al Sayyar, Manager of the Community Support Department at the Ministry of Interior, said electronic patrols are rigorously monitoring all websites and forums, primarily social media, across the country to detect and curb privacy violation and cyber crimes.
“The security bodies concerned received 800 reports on cyber crimes and online exploitation last year, and these were all seriously and stringently dealt with.”
Many of these cases were settled amicably while the others were referred to the courts. “All amounts of money siphoned off were recovered as was the case with an accused who gave back Dh1 million he had illegally collected from a victim here.”
On live weekly programme ‘Vigilant Eyes’ broadcast by the RAK radio station at 11am every Thursday, and repeated at 9pm every Saturday, Brig Al Sayyar said there are several channels to report such crimes, such as AMAN toll-free number 8002626, SMS 2828, any of the community support centres across the country, or in person at any police stations.
“Young people fall prey to cyber criminals due to the lack of awareness, poor ethics, family instability, parents’ involvement in extramarital affairs and neglect of their vulnerable children.”
Young people are advised to never accept any invitation to join any online group or add any person they do not know of to their friends’ list on Facebook, twitter, Instagram or alike, he said. “Criminals can abuse personal information and pictures to harm people.”
Brig Al Sayyar urged the public to instantly report any online threats to the e-CID police. “Hackers may steal personal data and credit card details while others defame and abuse young girls by stealing and manipulating their private photos and information.”
Lt-Colonel Abdullah Ali Al Mazrouie, Manager of Community Police, RAK Police, warned that most cases of abuse of girls started online. “Some girls had no problem chatting with people unknown to them online, and gave them their mobile phone numbers and photos which were all misused for exploitation.”
Lt-Col Al Mazrouie advised members of the society not to be influenced by the online ads posted by ambiguous companies. Some of these announce vacancies for female job seekers and the advertisers sexually abuse and exploit the girls when they are called for interviews.
Computers, laptops, tablets, TV sets, mobile phones, and even play stations and all electronic devices need to be kept in an open area at home so that young people do not have a chance to privately use them, he pinpointed. “Some websites promote illicit love affairs, such as marriage portals.”
Lt-Col Al Mazrouie said most of the cases handled were based on reports from the public. “The RAK Police have run several campaigns to spread people’s awareness about cyber crimes.”
Many cases of abuse or exploitation of women or young girls began when the victim trusted the criminal and fell in love with him, he noted. “The RAK Police instantly take action if any such attempt is reported. Parents should monitor their children closely to protect them from cyber criminals.”
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