The 2024 State of Scams in the UAE Survey Reveals 65% Scam Awareness

• 50% of respondents reported encountering an AI-related scam.
• 49% of scams are successfully executed within 24 hours of the initial contact with the victim.
• Shopping scams and identity theft are the most common types of scams, followed by investment scams.
• 59% of scam victims reported experiencing a strong emotional impact due to their losses.

 

The UAE Government's Cybersecurity Council and Trends Research & Advisory at the conclusion of the third edition of the Global Media Congress, revealed key findings on the state of scams in the UAE in 2024. Conducted in collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and BioCatch, the study showed that 65% of survey participants expressed confidence in their ability to identify fraud, while 9% indicated they lack confidence in reliably recognizing scams, according to the survey data.

 

The findings showed that 56% of the UAE population receives a scam attempt at least once per month. Only 12% of respondents stated they are rarely confronted by scams. Additionally, 20% of respondents said the number of scam attempts they face is similar to last year (2023), while 43% reported encountering more scams and 37% experienced fewer scams compared to the previous year.

 

The study confirmed that most UAE citizens are aware that scammers can use AI against them. Awareness of AI generated text and images is high, but complex AI chats and videos are slightly less known. 50% of respondents believe they have encountered an AI scam in the last 12 months. 30% of respondents were uncertain, while 20% believe they were subjected to scams using artificial intelligence.

 

The poll, which formed the basis of the study “The 2024 State of Scams in the United Arab Emirates,” surveyed more than 1,964 UAE citizens. Among the respondents, 59% hold university degrees and 24% hold postgraduate degrees.

 

The study revealed that most UAE citizens are aware that scammers can use AI against them. While awareness of AI-generated text and images is high, complex AI-generated chats and videos are slightly less known. 50% of respondents believe they have encountered an AI scam in the last 12 months, while 30% were uncertain and 20% believe they were subjected to scams involving artificial intelligence.

 

Scams through WhatsApp

The survey showed that the majority of scams are delivered via instant messaging tools, with WhatsApp being the most misused platform for scam delivery. Phone calls and text/SMS messages are also common mediums for scams, followed by email in fourth place. Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and Outlook round out the top five digital platforms most commonly exploited by scammers.

 

Shopping scams and identity theft are the most common types of scams, followed by investment scams in third place. On average, 1.77 scams were reported per victim, indicating that scam victims are likely to be retargeted. Despite this, only 30% of the UAE population reported scams to law enforcement.

 

The survey also found that 49% of scams are completed within 24 hours of first contact. Of these, 33% occurred within minutes, while 7% involved a "long con" lasting a year or more. Additionally, 69% of victims realized on their own that they had been scammed, while 21% were notified by their banks. 27% of respondents reported losing money to scams, with an average loss of US$2,194.

 

Less Trust in the Internet

Credit cards and bank transfers are the top payment methods exploited by scammers. PayPal and peer-to-peer apps are also popular tools used to collect stolen funds. According to the survey, only 9% of victims were able to fully recover their losses, while 19% did not attempt to recover their funds. Additionally, 57% tried but were unable to recover any money.

 

Scams have a significant emotional impact, with 59% of victims reporting strong emotional distress. Consequently, 62% of the UAE population expressed reduced trust in the Internet due to scams.

 

The reasons behind the success of scams vary. 23% of respondents said they were enticed by the scammer’s offer, while 30% reported failing to detect the scam in time or lacking the knowledge to recognize it.

 

The survey findings also showed that 32% of respondents take precautions such as checking email addresses and reviewing websites to determine their legitimacy. Furthermore, 30% of respondents share their scam experiences with family and friends.

 

However, 18% of respondents admitted they do not know where to report a scam. Other reasons for not reporting include the belief that the process is too complicated, uncertainty over whether it was a scam, or the perception that reporting would not make a difference.

 

Smart Infrastructure

 

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, emphasized that the UAE has successfully established a digital lifestyle in various aspects of daily life through a robust and advanced telecommunications infrastructure. This achievement has been supported by sustainable investments in digital infrastructure and the implementation of projects focused on clean technology and the renewable energy transition. He highlighted the country’s expansion of smart cities and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, which have facilitated automation across many service sectors.

 

Dr. Al-Kuwaiti also noted that the 2024 State of Scams in the United Arab Emirates report, conducted by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, TRENDS, and BioCatch, revealed that the majority of scams are delivered via instant messaging tools, with WhatsApp being the most misused platform for scam delivery.

 

He further explained that the CSC continues its efforts to educate the public about the risks associated with scams. The Council organizes awareness campaigns aimed at helping community members recognize fraudulent patterns, such as fake emails, phishing links, and scam phone calls.

 

Promoting Community Awareness

 

Dr. Al-Ali noted that public opinion research, analyses, and surveys play a critical role in combating electronic scam activities by offering innovative, evidence-based scientific solutions to address this growing phenomenon. He added that research also helps in providing a better understanding of how to educate users about the risks of electronic fraud and ways to protect against it. Moreover, it contributes to developing effective educational programs targeting students in schools, universities, and workplaces, to raise their awareness about how to recognize and avoid electronic fraud.

 

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that modern technologies such as AI and machine learning have become integral to electronic scam operations. However, he noted that through enhanced community awareness, the safe use of advanced technology, and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, cyber fraud can be addressed more effectively.

 

Dr. Al-Ali highlighted the critical role of public opinion research, analyses, and surveys in combating electronic scams. These tools provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to tackle this growing phenomenon. He added that research helps in better understanding how to educate users about the risks of electronic fraud and the measures needed to protect against it. Moreover, Dr. Al-Ali stated that research contributes to developing effective educational programs tailored for schools, universities, and workplaces, to raise awareness about how to recognize and avoid electronic fraud.

 

Social Engineering Attacks

 

“While both the UAE and Europe face serious fraud threats,” said Ali Godrej Patel, BioCatch GCC Regional Manager, “the nature of these threats differs across regions. The UAE deals more frequently with direct social engineering attacks, such as fake job offers and fraudulent investment schemes. In contrast, Europe experiences more bank impersonation scams.”

 

Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, emphasized that electronic scams are a global phenomenon. “We see a sharp rise in the number of scams everywhere, and the UAE is unfortunately no exception. We see comparable numbers in other Middle Eastern countries. Only by working closely together internationally can we turn the tide on scams.”

 

About UAE Cyber Security Council: 

 

The UAE Cabinet established the Cyber Security Council in 2020 to support the UAE's commitment to achieving a safer digital transformation. It is headed by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti and comprises a variety of federal and municipal authorities in the UAE. The Council is tasked with developing legislative and regulatory frameworks that address various issues, including cybersecurity and cybercrime, as well as securing present and upcoming technologies.

 

The Council's goal is to propose policies and legislation to improve cybersecurity in the country for all targeted sectors and bring them to the Cabinet for adoption and implementation in collaboration with the relevant authorities. It also aims to increase the readiness of all sectors to respond to emergency attacks efficiently and professionally, thereby enhancing the UAE's pioneering drive towards a highly developed digital future and creating a secure and solid cyber infrastructure.

 

The Council seeks to portray the forward-thinking vision of the UAE's solid leadership and proactive approach through highly specialized and active agencies capable of providing digital protection, securing an advanced infrastructure to ensure business continuity, and providing services regularly in all economic, educational, health, and social activities. The Council also works on spreading the cybersecurity culture through initiatives designed for various segments and protecting society from hacked online sites.

 

About Trends Research & Advisory

 

TRENDS Research & Advisory is an independent institution that aims to contribute to shaping the future. It analyses and provides consultations on the geopolitical, economic, and social aspects of regional and global developments to understand better the various dimensions of prevailing trends and the opportunities and challenges they present. 

 

During the past years, TRENDS has expanded its outreach through several global and regional partnerships in place with international research centers, think tanks, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. It has successfully organized several lectures, conferences, and symposiums supporting its main objective of facilitating knowledge sharing and supporting its clients with different experiences and expertise.

 

About BioCatch:

 

BioCatch stands at the forefront of digital fraud detection, pioneering behavioral intelligence grounded in advanced cognitive science and machine learning. BioCatch analyzes thousands of user interactions to support a digital banking environment where identity, trust, and ease coexist. BioCatch's Client Innovation Board – an industry-led initiative featuring American Express, Barclays, Citi Ventures, HSBC, and National Australia Bank – collaborates to pioneer creative and innovative ways to leverage customer relationships for fraud prevention.

 

About GASA:

 

The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting worldwide consumers from scams. With more than 100 member organizations, GASA unites governments, law enforcement, consumer protection organizations, financial authorities & providers, brand protection agencies, social media, Internet service providers, and cybersecurity companies in a collaborative environment to share insights, research, and solutions to protect consumers from fraud and scams.