UAE cybersecurity body warns public against rising phishing and SMS scams

The UAE’s Cyber Security Council has warned of growing risks from fraudulent messages targeting the public, urging vigilance as cyber scams become more sophisticated.

The council advised citizens and residents to delete suspicious messages, avoid interacting with unknown senders, block unfamiliar numbers and immediately report scams to relevant authorities, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

It stressed the need for caution against phishing attempts and SMS-based scams, calling for the blocking of any activities potentially linked to cyber fraud.

The council said fraudsters are increasingly using advanced deception techniques, including impersonating government entities, official institutions or trusted companies to gain users’ confidence.

These scams often seek to extract sensitive personal or financial information by requesting details directly or directing users to malicious links, it said.

The council urged users to verify advertisements and the sources of messages containing links or requests for personal or financial data before taking any action.

It outlined key indicators of fraudulent messages, noting they often create a sense of urgency, lack personalization, appear “too good to be true,” and originate from unknown numbers.

Common scam phrases include messages claiming users have won prizes, are entitled to refunds, need to verify bank accounts, or are being offered exclusive discounted credit card deals.

The council said combating cyber fraud begins at the individual level through greater awareness and a strong cybersecurity culture.

It encouraged users not to respond to suspicious messages, to block senders, and to avoid clicking on embedded links.

The weekly Cyber Pulse awareness message also recommended preventive measures such as installing spam-blocking applications and regularly deleting untrusted messages.

The council noted that fraudulent messages increased by about 35% over the past year, posing increasingly complex challenges for users.

It said the trend underscores the need for defensive tools based on awareness, improved detection, and additional layers of digital protection.

The council concluded that cybersecurity has become a major challenge in the digital space, adding that preventive steps complement broader government efforts to address risks driven by rapid technological change.