Khaberni - School administrations in the UAE have warned parents not to be deceived by any external groups or links bearing the school's name or logo without official verification, after the spread of fraudulent messages aimed at stealing personal data.
School officials clarified that the messages sent via applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram closely mimic the official style of the schools, increasing the likelihood of parents falling victim to scams.
The schools confirmed that all messages directed to parents are exclusively issued through official systems and approved educational applications, and urged parents to update their registered phone numbers to ensure the receipt of official notifications.
Fraudulent messages often start with a familiar greeting like "Dear Parent," and request logging into fake websites to provide personal information including full names, identity numbers, phone numbers, and sometimes financial data, under the pretext of "updating the school's database" or "ensuring receipt of school notifications."
AI and technology expert Khulood Al-Habsi, in press statements, confirmed that advancements in artificial intelligence technologies have allowed fraudsters to precisely imitate logos, websites, email accounts, and school messages, making fraudulent communications appear legitimate.
She added that fraudsters exploit parents' trust and their quick response for fear of missing any school updates.
Meanwhile, lawyer Sarah Al-Baqshi pointed out that modern fraud techniques have become more complex, often impersonating official institutions, including government and police bodies, warning parents to respond only to messages issued from the school's approved channels and to thoroughly verify the sender's address before clicking on any link or providing any information.
Schools affirm their responsibility for securing their digital platforms and protecting email systems from exploitation by external entities, to ensure the safety of student and parent data.
