Abu Dhabi Police warned the public not to engage with beggars using fake coronavirus-related stories to scam victims, either directly or online.
The emirate's police urged the public to use only official channels for charity donations.
“Beggars are taking advantage of the current situation and the preventive measures taken by the government, and people’s sympathy and goodwill during Ramadan,” Abu Dhabi Police said.
As the emirate typically reports an influx of beggars during Ramadan, a plan was set up weeks ago to control those who prey on people's spirit of giving.
It includes increasing the number of police patrols in areas where beggars are expected to be more active.
Inspections are being intensified and more awareness created through the force's various communication channels.
Abu Dhabi Police called on community members to co-operate by reporting beggars and their whereabouts to 999, by calling their toll-free number 8002626 (AMAN2626) or by sending a text message to (2828) or an e-mail to aman@adpolice.gov.ae
"Do not give them money because this encourages them to continue the practice of begging," the force said.
In Dubai, people can call 901 or report beggars via the police app.
On Wednesday, Dubai Police arrested a dozen beggars as part of their annual clampdown, which continues throughout Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
Ramadan in the UAE – in pictures
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A cannon is fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, to mark the beginning of iftar in 2020. Victor Besa / The National -
A Ramadan decoration at one of the bridges on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National -
Hundreds of packets of cooked food provided by Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh temple in Jebel Ali for the needy are distributed by Markaz volunteers before iftar at the Naif area of Deira, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Volunteers in Fujairah prepare food to be handed out at iftar. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Ramadan decorations on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi, at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A cannon is fired to mark the breaking of the Ramadan fast at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi's oldest standing building. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A woman checks out a Ramadan promotional stand at Carrefour in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan lamps for sale at the Dhow Harbour and Al Mina Souq, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The sun sets behind Al Rustmani Mosque in Jebel Ali, Dubai, on the day before Ramadan. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ramadan decoration at one of the bridges on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National -
Ramadan lights on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations at the Spinneys in Al Barsha, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A Ramadan date shopper at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market at Mina Zayed. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations inside Al Fateh Plaza at the Dhow Harbour and Al Mina Souq, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
