Beware of fake donation messages on social media

Dubai Police tell people not to respond or circulate them as they could be abetting crime

Asenior Dubai Police officer has warned residents against responding to donation messages circulating on social media networks after a message, which went viral, turned out to be fake. The message said someone is ready to pay up to Dh50,000 to pay off the debts of inmates jailed because of financial problems as a charity gesture before Ramadan.

Major-General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, assistant to the Dubai Police Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, said that most of the donation messages on social media networks are fake and they go viral especially in Ramadan.

“The numbers in most of these messages are closed or a trap for women to start a relationship, especially for women whose husbands are in prison,” Maj-Gen Al Mansouri said.

He said such messages can be seen on Facebook and WhatsApp. Some ask the women to send a passport copy or personal picture with a copy of the court decision to solve her husband’s problem. These documents can be misused in illegal activities.

He urged people not to respond or circulate such messages. Instead, people can go to verified charity organisations in the country.

“If a person republishes the message, then he is assisting in the crime. They can also be prosecuted. If anyone wants to share the news of a charity initiative or donate money, he or she can go to registered charity organisations in the country to make sure that their money reaches the needy people,” he added.

The message which went viral on social media networks has many phone numbers to be contacted in case someone needs help to pay prisoners’ debts up to Dh50,000.