E-Paper
Sign In
UAE authorities warn of bank fraud, child exploitation through online games
Exploiters create fake online identities to gain a child’s trust, move conversations into private digital spaces, and then pressure the child into sharing sensitive information
- PUBLISHED: Sun 8 Feb 2026, 6:00 AM
UAE courts and police are noting cases in which children are targeted through online games and social media platforms, with offenders exploiting minors for sexual reasons and to commit financial fraud by gaining access to their parents’ bank cards.
Police and public prosecution investigations revealed that offenders often approach children through games or chat features, posing as friends or fellow players.
Recommended For You
After gaining their trust, children are persuaded to convince their parents to allow the use of credit or debit cards to buy in-game items. In several cases, children were then instructed to photograph the cards from both sides and share PIN numbers, enabling criminals to steal money or carry out unauthorised transactions.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Investigators said this method has increasingly been used alongside other forms of online exploitation, including grooming and blackmail, highlighting growing risks linked to unmonitored online activity involving children.
Pattern of targeting
Police and public prosecution investigations revealed that such cases typically follow a deliberate and gradual pattern. Exploiters create fake online identities to gain a child’s trust, move conversations into private digital spaces, and then pressure the child into sharing sensitive information — whether inappropriate content or financial details — which is later used for exploitation, fraud or threats.
Several cases reported to police across the UAE have underscored this pattern, prompting renewed warnings to parents and guardians.
Court cases highlight growing risks
In one major case in Abu Dhabi, eight individuals were arrested and later convicted after investigations showed they had lured children through social media platforms and online chats.
Court records showed the defendants manipulated minors into sharing explicit material and attempted to exploit them sexually. The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court imposed lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines and ordered the confiscation of electronic devices used in the crimes.
In Dubai, another case involved a man convicted by the Court of First Instance for using his Instagram account to lure a minor into committing indecent acts. The case came to light after the International Child Protection Centre in the United States alerted UAE authorities to suspicious online communication between the accused and a young girl. Investigations showed that the man sent explicit images and videos and maintained repeated contact with the minor through private chats and voice messages.
In a separate Dubai case, police arrested a Pakistani national after a 14-year-old girl was lured online through social media and later persuaded to meet him in person. The case emerged after a report was filed with authorities, highlighting how online interactions can quickly escalate into real-world danger.
Strict penalties
Legal counsel and advocate Wael Obaid said the UAE law deals firmly with crimes involving the online exploitation of minors due to their seriousness and wide spread in the digital space.
He explained that the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes provides for jail terms and fines ranging between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000 for anyone who creates, manages, publishes or sends pornographic material or content that violates public morals through electronic platforms.
Penalties become tougher, he added, if the content involves a child or is aimed at luring or exploiting minors, with the law prescribing a minimum jail term of one year and fines of up to Dh500,000.
First line of defence
Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud stressed that awareness remains a key factor in protecting children from digital exploitation and fraud.
“Awareness is the first line of defence,” he said, urging parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children’s online activity and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
Tips for parents, guardians
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Yamahi said investigations have shown that online games are increasingly being used to target children for financial fraud.
He explained that offenders exploit children’s interest in games by convincing them to seek their parents’ bank cards for in-game purchases, before asking for card photos and PIN numbers to steal money or carry out unauthorised transactions.
Parents, he said, should closely monitor the games their children play, disable private chat features where possible, and warn them never to share bank details, card images or passwords with anyone online. He urged parents to report suspected cybercrime immediately through official channels.
Authorities advised parents and guardians to take simple steps to reduce risks linked to online games and social media, including:
Do not give bank cards to children to buy games or in-game items, even for small amounts.
Monitor the games and apps children use and review chat and privacy settings regularly.
Disable private messaging features in games where possible.
Teach children never to share bank card details, photos of cards or PIN numbers.
Set clear rules on screen time and ensure games are age-appropriate.
Encourage children to report suspicious messages immediately.
Report suspected cybercrime early through official channels.
Officials stressed that early reporting can prevent financial loss and protect children from wider online exploitation.
