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Social Media Scams and Impersonation
Social media scams occur when fraudsters create fake profiles or impersonate trusted individuals, brands, or organizations to deceive users into sharing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or transferring money.
- Exposure to fake giveaways and misleading promotions, often delivered through impersonation accounts posing as officials, brands, or acquaintances
- Phishing messages designed to steal login credentials or financial information, leading to the loss of personal data and direct financial harm
- A 148% rise in impersonation scams on social media, with 71% of such scams in 2025 originating from platforms with weak moderation
- Over USD 15 billion in global financial losses from scams in Q1 2025
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links
- Never share personal or financial information
- Verify official accounts and senders before engaging
- Do not scan untrusted QR codes
- Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities
Example: You see a social media account posing as a trusted brand offering a giveaway. After clicking the link and entering details, your information is harvested or your account is compromised.
Your support can make a significant impact in building a secure digital future for everyone:
- Staying informed is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones from online threats.
- Follow our social media channels and website for regular updates on cybersecurity best practices.
- Promote online safety for families, businesses, and the community by spreading this knowledge.
How to Protect Yourself
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links
- Never share personal or financial information
- Verify official accounts and senders before engaging
- Do not scan untrusted QR codes
- Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities
Example: You see a social media account posing as a trusted brand offering a giveaway. After clicking the link and entering details, your information is harvested or your account is compromised.
Get Involved
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Policies & Resources
The UAE Information Assurance (IA) Standard is a nationally recognized framework designed to enhance the security and resilience of critical information infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates.
Informing
Government
The UAE is investing heavily in cyber security, using technology and skill to combat threat actors in the cyber domain, foster trust and confidence in the UAE’s digital ecosystem, and safeguard its cyberspace.
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Government
The UAE Cyber Security Council's mission is to protect critical systems from vulnerabilities and secure sensitive data of government entities and CIIs from misuse and unauthorized disclosure.
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Government