Dubai Police warns public not to give money to beggars during Ramadan

Police say some people will attempt to take advantage of the holy month's spirit of goodwill and the coronavirus outbreak

Dubai Police says some beggars pretend to be sick to draw sympathy. Jeff Topping / The National

Dubai Police have asked the public to report cases of begging to stop people profiting from goodwill during Ramadan.

Police said some people may try to take advantage of the holy month's spirit of giving and the coronavirus outbreak to collect money illegally.

Although movement has been restricted this year due to measures put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus, police said beggars may use social media or hang around supermarket car parks.

Col Ali Salem, director of the Anti-Infiltrators Department at Dubai Police, said he was aware cases where beggars pretended to be disabled or sick, or used children to draw sympathy from people.

He called on the public not to respond to beggars with "feelings of compassion".

He said people should instead notify authorities by calling 901 or reporting the incident on the Police Eye app.

Online begging scams and other cybercrimes can be reported on the Dubai Police website, he said.

"Members of society can contribute positively and help curb begging by donating to charity organisations who ensure the money reaches those in need," Col Salem said.