Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to residents
about growing incidents of online cybercrimes, including blackmail, bullying, and
extortion.
The Police advised youngsters to steer clear from accepting
online friendship requests from strangers and to beware of dating sites and
applications.
Police have also urged caution against children falling prey
to online blackmailers, who often disguise themselves as young women. They post
fake pictures of young women on social media platforms to lure youngsters and
ask for their personal information in a bid to blackmail them.
Photo used for illustrative purpose.
Police stressed parents to monitor their children’s online
activities to avoid a recurrence of these untoward incidents and be vigilant
about the social media content that the kids consume.
“Parents should discourage their children from interacting
with strangers online and avoid sharing their personal information with any
unknown person,” the statement read.
He cautioned that scammers might pose as women to gain
victims’ trust, and then use their personal photographs in a bid to blackmail
them to extract money.
The public has been urged to report cybercrimes by making a
call to the Aman service's hotline number (8002626).