The warning follows reports of scammers contacting residents via Google Meet invitations sent from free email accounts.
UAE authorities have warned residents about a sophisticated new scam in which fraudsters impersonate officials from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, using Google Meet calls and fake email accounts to steal personal information and money.
The warning follows reports of scammers contacting residents through Google Meet invitations sent from free email services, including Gmail addresses such as “governmenticfederal15@gmail.com,” while falsely claiming to represent ICP and other government entities.
During the Google Meet calls, victims are told that fees related to their Emirates ID, residency file, or government records are allegedly unpaid and must be settled immediately to avoid penalties, fines, or legal action.
The fraudsters then request sensitive personal information, including details from Emirates ID cards, passport information, contact numbers, and other personal data, before instructing victims to transfer money to personal bank accounts.
In some cases, scammers falsely claim they are conducting identity verification procedures or updating government records, warning victims that failure to cooperate may lead to administrative penalties or restrictions on access to government services.
Major Abdullah Al Shehhi has repeatedly urged the public to stay vigilant against online fraud and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from government entities through official channels.
Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud has also warned residents against sharing personal, financial, or identification details with unknown individuals, stressing that cybercriminals often exploit the names of trusted institutions to deceive victims.
A senior official at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security reiterated that the authority does not contact customers via Google Meet calls, personal email accounts, or social media platforms to request Emirates ID details, banking information, or payments. It also stressed that all government fees are collected only through approved and authorised channels.
Authorities said several warning signs should immediately raise suspicion, including invitations to join Google Meet calls, requests for copies of Emirates IDs, demands for urgent payments to avoid penalties, and messages sent from generic email domains such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail instead of official government domains.
Officials emphasised that no UAE government entity requests payments through personal bank accounts or asks individuals to disclose sensitive information during online meetings. Residents are urged to verify any communication directly through official government websites, mobile applications, or customer service centres before taking action.
Members of the public who receive suspicious emails, calls, or meeting invitations are advised to stop communication immediately and report the incident through official cybercrime reporting platforms.
Authorities reiterated that protecting personal information is the first line of defence against cyber fraud, urging residents to remain alert to scams that misuse the names of government entities to steal money and sensitive data.
