Our Consulting Editor, Advocate Anjana Bhatia D.I is an accomplished Indian Lawyer practicing in India and the UAE. She has over 25 years of experience in Law – Litigation, Corporate, Civil, Criminal, Mediation as well as registered with DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. She provides legal solutions to clients globally with strategic results.
Adv. Anjana Bhatia D.I. speaks EXCLUSIVELY to Emirates Reporter on : Bank Fraud & Child Exploitation via Online Games
E.R- Why have online games become a concern from a legal and cybersecurity perspective in the UAE?
ADV. ANJANA- Online games have evolved into interactive digital ecosystems that include live chats, private messaging, voice communication, and integrated payment systems. While these features enhance user engagement, they have also created opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerable users, particularly children. UAE authorities and legal experts have identified misuse of such platforms for bank fraud, data theft, grooming, and child exploitation. Legally speaking, such risks elevate online gaming from a recreational activity to a regulated digital space requiring heightened vigilance.
E.R- How do criminals use online games to commit bank fraud and/or exploit children?
ADV. ANJANA- Offenders often pose as fellow players to initiate casual conversations within the game. Over time, they build trust by offering in-game rewards, assistance, or virtual currency. Upon establishing trust, children may be persuaded to share personal details, photographs of bank cards, one-time passwords, or access credentials belonging to family members, under the false belief that this is necessary for game upgrades or purchases. In some cases, the interaction escalates into grooming, blackmail, or coercion, transforming financial fraud into child exploitation.
E.R- Why are children particularly vulnerable to these online gaming-related crimes?
ADV. ANJANA- Children are particularly vulnerable due to their limited ability to assess risk and long-term consequences. In gaming environments that feel familiar and entertaining, they are more likely to trust strangers and comply with requests. Criminals exploit curiosity, peer influence, and emotional manipulation. UAE law imposes enhanced protections for minors and treats offences involving children as aggravated crimes due to their inherent vulnerability.
E.R- What laws and legal protections exist in the UAE to address these risks?
ADV. ANJANA- The UAE has a robust legal framework that criminalizes cyber fraud, unauthorized access to electronic systems, identity theft, impersonation, and misuse of financial data. In addition, child protection laws explicitly extend to digital and online environments, criminalizing grooming, exploitation, and psychological harm to minors. Recent legislative developments further strengthen child digital safety by imposing obligations on online platforms to protect children’s data, restrict harmful interactions, and implement age-appropriate safeguards. Offences involving minors attract stricter penalties under UAE law.
E.R- What responsibilities do digital platforms and parents have in preventing such incidents?
ADV. ANJANA- Digital platforms operating in the UAE are expected to implement preventive measures such as age verification, parental control tools, privacy-by-default settings, restricted chat features, and clear reporting mechanisms. From a legal perspective, platforms are stakeholders in child safety, not merely service providers. At the same time, parents and guardians play a critical preventive role by supervising children’s online activities, monitoring gaming interactions, limiting in-game purchases, and educating children about the dangers of sharing personal or financial information. Prevention remains the most effective safeguard.
E.R- What should families do if they suspect online fraud or child exploitation, and what are the legal consequences for offenders?
ADV. ANJANA- Warning signs such as secrecy around online activity, unexplained financial transactions, sudden requests for banking details, or behavioral changes should be addressed immediately. UAE authorities strongly encourage prompt reporting through official police and e-crime platforms, as early intervention can prevent further harm and, in some cases, enable recovery of losses. Offenders involved in online fraud or child exploitation face severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, reflecting the UAE’s zero-tolerance approach to crimes affecting child safety and financial security.
“The above is a general overview; outcomes differ from case to case and are subject to the discretion of the concerned authorities.”
ADVOCATE ANJANA BHATIA D.I CAN BE CONTACTED AT-
Mobile: +971505944896
Website: www.ajureadvocates.com
Email- anjana@ajureadvocates.com
