Sharjah Police: Community cooperation key to fighting cybercrime

May 13, 2025 / 6:27 PM

Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Police General Command reported a noticeable drop in cybercrime cases during the first quarter of 2025. Despite the decline, fake job postings and false advertisements remain the most commonly reported types of online fraud.

Common cybercrime tactics identified

Colonel Dr Khalifa Yousef Balhai, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, noted that scammers often use fake recruitment ads or too-good-to-be-true online deals to steal personal data or money. Fraudulent advertisements for products and services are also frequently reported, often involving exaggerated or false claims to lure victims.

Root causes of cyber vulnerability

Colonel Balhai attributed many of these crimes to overconfidence in digital platforms, poor cyber awareness, weak passwords, and a failure to verify sources. A lack of two-factor authentication also contributes to user vulnerability.

Investigative techniques and awareness efforts

Sharjah Police analyse recurring patterns in reported cases and monitor unauthorised access spikes to identify cyber threats. Public awareness remains a top priority, with continuous educational campaigns being conducted to educate residents about common cybercrime tactics.

Public cooperation and reporting channels

Colonel Balhai emphasised the crucial role of community cooperation in combating cybercrime. He urged the public to report any suspicious activity using the "Haris" service on the Sharjah Police website, or by calling 0559992158, 065943228, or 999 in emergencies.