A 2024 survey on scams in the UAE highlights how widespread scams are, their effects on people, and how well residents can spot and deal with them.
The study, led by the UAE Government’s Cybersecurity Council and TRENDS Research & Advisory, found that 56% of residents encounter scam attempts monthly. Despite high awareness of scams involving artificial intelligence (AI), many victims experience financial losses, emotional distress, and face challenges in reporting or recovering from scams.
Confidence in Detecting Scams Varies
According to the survey, 65% of respondents feel confident in recognizing scams, but 9% lack confidence in identifying them. Only 12% said they rarely face scams. Comparisons with last year revealed that 43% of participants experienced more scams, 37% reported fewer scams, and 20% saw no change.
AI-Driven Scams and Awareness Levels
The study revealed that most residents understand how scammers use AI to deceive them. While many are aware of AI-generated texts and images, AI-powered chats and videos are less recognized.
- 50% of respondents believe they encountered AI scams in the past year.
- 30% were unsure, while 20% confirmed falling victim to AI-related scams.
Platforms Most Misused for Scams
The majority of scams are carried out via instant messaging apps, with WhatsApp being the most commonly exploited platform. Scams also come through phone calls, text messages, and emails. Platforms like Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and Outlook are among the top five targeted digital tools.
Common Scam Types and Repeat Victims
The most frequent scams include shopping scams, identity theft, and investment scams. On average, victims report 1.77 scams, suggesting that once targeted, individuals are more likely to be targeted again.
Reporting Scams and Financial Losses
Despite the prevalence of scams, only 30% of the population reports scams to authorities. The survey found that 49% of scams are completed within 24 hours of initial contact, with 33% occurring within minutes. Additionally:
- 27% of respondents lost money, with an average loss of $2,194 (Dh8,058).
- Only 9% of victims recovered their losses, while 19% didn’t attempt recovery, and 57% failed despite trying.
Emotional Impact and Reduced Trust
Scams have a deep emotional impact, with 59% of victims experiencing emotional distress. This has led to 62% of residents trusting the Internet less due to scam incidents.
Barriers to Reporting Scams
Many people don’t report scams because they:
- Don’t know where to report (18% of respondents).
- Find the process too complicated.
- Are unsure if it was a scam or feel reporting wouldn’t help.
Precautions Residents Take
The survey showed that 32% of respondents verify email addresses and websites before engaging. Meanwhile, 30% share their scam experiences with family and friends to raise awareness.
