Scammers Target Indian Expats With Fake Visa, Passport and Job-Service Offers.
Dubai: The Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has warned Indian nationals in the UAE about scams involving individuals and agents falsely claiming to offer services such as visa regularisation, emergency certificates, exit permits, Emirates IDs and employment.
The Consulate said it had received reports that several Indian nationals, particularly blue-collar workers, had been targeted by fraudulent operators.
According to the advisory, scammers ask victims to hand over sensitive documents, including passports and Emirates IDs, as well as biometric information such as facial, iris and fingerprint scans, while claiming to assist with official procedures.
The Consulate warned that scammers could misuse the stolen personal and biometric information to conduct financial transactions, open bank accounts or apply for loans and credit cards in victims’ names without their knowledge or consent.
As a result, victims could potentially be held liable for financial obligations or transactions they never authorised. The consequences may include fines, travel bans and, in serious cases, imprisonment, the Consulate said.
The Indian mission urged nationals to remain vigilant and avoid sharing passports, Emirates IDs, biometric information or personal and financial credentials with unauthorised individuals or agencies.
It said biometric scans required for services such as exit permits, Outpasses, Emirates IDs or visa regularisation should only be provided at authorised UAE government facilities and official service counters.
The Consulate also clarified that neither the Consulate General of India in Dubai nor the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi requires applicants to provide fingerprint, facial or eye scans when applying for passports or Emergency Certificates.
The advisory warned that anyone demanding such biometric information while claiming to represent the Embassy should be treated as a fraudster and not entertained.
Indian nationals who are approached by unauthorised individuals or agents requesting biometric information or Emirates IDs have been advised to contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra for verification and assistance.
The helpline is available on the toll-free number 80046342. Assistance is also available via WhatsApp or SMS at 00971543090571, or by email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
The Consulate urged Indian nationals living in or visiting the UAE to verify the credentials of anyone offering such services and promptly report any suspicious activity to the Indian mission and relevant UAE authorities.
