A woman from the UAE used social media to beg under the pretense that she is a victim of a failed marriage. The lady who had asked for money to support her children has now been arrested. She made $50000 in 17 days through her posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Brigadier Jamal Al Salem Al Jallaf, Director of Criminal Investigation Department of the Dubai Police said: “She was telling people that she was divorced and supporting her children on her own. But her former husband reported her through (the) e-Crime platform and proved the children were living with him.”

The officer added: “The husband realized his children's photos were being used for begging after several relatives and friends called to check with him. By defaming her children and harming their reputation, the woman managed to earn $50,000 in 17 days of begging on social media.” He also condemned such cheating online saying: “Begging via online channels is a crime that is being dealt with by the Dubai Police through the eCrime platform. People seek help by pretending to have a disease or disability, or by showcasing apparent poverty to exploit people's generosity.”

Begging online is punishable in UAE with a fine of 250,000 to 500,000 dirhams and/or imprisonment.