UAE authorities have warned residents about a new scam involving fake Google Meet calls from people pretending to be officials from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Scammers are asking for Emirates ID details, passport information, and payments by claiming residents have unpaid government fees. Authorities have confirmed these calls are fraudulent.
UAE Residents Targeted in New Google Meet Scam
A new cyber scam is making the rounds in the UAE, and authorities are asking residents to be extra cautious.
Fraudsters are posing as representatives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and contacting residents through Google Meet calls and fake email addresses. The scammers claim there are issues linked to Emirates ID records, residency files, or unpaid government fees and pressure victims into sharing personal information or making payments.
The warning comes as reports of such incidents continue to surface across the country, highlighting the growing sophistication of online fraud attempts targeting UAE residents.
How Does the Scam Work?
According to authorities, scammers first send Google Meet invitations from unofficial email accounts. Some of these emails appear convincing at first glance but are sent from generic email services rather than official government domains.
Once the victim joins the online meeting, the fraudsters introduce themselves as government officials and claim urgent action is required.
They may tell residents that:
- There are unpaid fees linked to their Emirates ID
- Their residency file requires verification
- Government records need updating
- Failure to comply could lead to fines or penalties
The scammers then request sensitive information, including Emirates ID details, passport copies, phone numbers, banking information, and other personal records.
In some cases, victims are instructed to transfer money directly into personal bank accounts to resolve the supposed issue immediately.
ICP Confirms It Does Not Use Google Meet for Such Requests
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has made it clear that it does not contact customers through Google Meet calls, personal email accounts, or social media platforms to request personal information or payments.
The authority stressed that all official fees are collected only through approved government channels.
This means any request for payments through personal bank accounts or demands for confidential documents during a video call should immediately raise suspicion.
Authorities are reminding residents that official government communication follows established and secure channels, making it easier for the public to verify authenticity.
Dubai Police and Sharjah Police Urge Residents to Stay Vigilant
Major Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Cybercrime Department at Dubai Police, has repeatedly advised residents to verify any communication claiming to come from government entities before taking action.
Dubai Police continues to encourage the public to remain alert to cyber fraud schemes that attempt to exploit trust in official institutions.
Similarly, Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police, warned residents against sharing personal, financial, or identification information with unknown individuals.
He noted that cybercriminals frequently misuse the names of trusted organisations to deceive victims and gain access to sensitive information.
The warning aligns with ongoing awareness campaigns by UAE law enforcement agencies focused on combating online fraud and protecting residents from digital scams.
What Are the Warning Signs Residents Should Watch For?
Authorities have outlined several red flags that can help residents identify fraudulent communications before becoming victims.
These include:
- Invitations to join unexpected Google Meet calls
- Requests for Emirates ID copies or passport details
- Demands for urgent payments to avoid penalties
- Threats involving fines or legal action
- Emails sent from Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or other generic domains
- Requests to transfer money into personal bank accounts
The UAE Government consistently advises residents to verify all government-related communications through official websites, mobile applications, and customer service channels.
If something feels suspicious, residents should stop communication immediately and independently verify the claim before sharing any information.
Impact on UAE Residents
As more services move online, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit technology and impersonate trusted organisations.
Scams involving fake government representatives can affect anyone, including long-term residents, expats, and newcomers unfamiliar with official procedures.
Protecting personal information remains one of the strongest defences against cybercrime. A few moments spent verifying a message could prevent financial loss and identity theft.
Authorities continue to remind residents that genuine government entities will never ask for sensitive personal information through unofficial video calls or request payments through personal accounts.
FAQs
Q: Does ICP contact residents through Google Meet calls?
A: No. ICP has confirmed that it does not use Google Meet, personal email accounts, or social media platforms to request payments or personal information.
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious Google Meet invitation?
A: Do not join the meeting or share any information. Verify the communication through official government channels and report the incident if necessary.
Q: How can I identify a fake government email?
A: Be cautious of emails sent from Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or other generic domains. Official UAE government entities use authorised government domains.
Q: Can UAE government authorities ask for payments through personal bank accounts?
A: No. Government fees are collected only through approved and authorised payment channels.
Q: Where can residents report cyber scams in the UAE?
A: Residents can report suspicious emails, calls, and online scams through official police cybercrime reporting platforms.
The latest Google Meet scam is a reminder that cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to target residents. UAE authorities, including ICP, Dubai Police, and Sharjah Police, are urging the public to stay cautious, verify communications through official channels, and never share personal information during unsolicited online meetings.
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