The UAE Cybersecurity Council has highlighted how fraudsters use cyber manipulation and social engineering to deceive victims.

Attackers often gather basic personal information, interact with targets online, or build trust before exploiting vulnerabilities to extract sensitive data.

In an awareness bulletin, the Council described scammers as professional actors trained in persuasion, capable of analysing personalities and emotions to gain trust before stealing information. It stressed verifying the background of anyone unfamiliar.

Users are urged to remain vigilant, verify messages before sharing details, and avoid giving scammers any opportunity. The Council warned: “Be smarter than them. Your awareness is your first line of defense in the digital world.” Phishing schemes often exploit fear, urgency, and misplaced trust.

It advised against sharing personal information online or on social media, recommended disabling location sharing, reviewing followers, and rejecting unknown friend requests. Strong PINs, biometric authentication, and regular updates are crucial to securing devices and personal data.

Cybersecurity begins with protecting devices and controlling digital presence. Every login leaves a trace, so users should share cautiously and employ security tools.

The Council revealed that 47% of cyber fraud victims worldwide fall prey to scams, while only 4% recover losses. It reiterated the importance of verifying identities, reporting suspicious activity, and remaining alert to social engineering tactics.