Dubai Police Warn: Scammers Pretending to Be Officials Are Targeting Your UAE Pass and Emirates ID

Authorities in Dubai have issued an urgent public warning after fraudsters began impersonating government officials to trick residents into surrendering sensitive personal data, including UAE Pass credentials and Emirates ID information.

The advisory comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased scam activity targeting mobile users across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Impersonation Tactics and Fraud Alert

Dubai Police said in a recent security alert that fraudsters are posing as employees of a fictitious entity called the 'Dubai Crisis Management' department and falsely claiming an affiliation with the police force to win trust. These impostors contact people by phone or message and request confidential details, such as login information for the UAE Pass app and Emirates ID data.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, the force stressed that the scheme is fraudulent and part of scammers' evolving efforts to exploit current events.

'In light of the current circumstances, Dubai Police have detected attempts by fraudsters to exploit recent developments by impersonating employees purportedly affiliated with the "Dubai Crisis Management" department and falsely claiming links to Dubai Police,' they wrote.

The Risk of Sharing Personal Data

Sharing data like UAE Pass credentials or Emirates ID details can have serious consequences. Officials warned that such information could enable criminals to commit SIM swap fraud, in which a victim's phone number is transferred to a device controlled by a scammer. Once that happens, attackers can intercept authentication codes, access mobile banking apps, and potentially drain accounts or commit further fraud.

Dubai Police emphasised that official authorities never request confidential information, passwords, or verification codes through phone calls or text messages, and urged residents not to share personal or banking information with unknown or unverified entities.

Ministry of Interior Denies Involvement

Reinforcing police warnings, the UAE Ministry of Interior publicly denied any connection to scam phone numbers circulating among residents, including 70614213 and others that make similar fraudulent claims. The ministry urged members of the public to avoid engaging with these calls and to refrain from disclosing sensitive details, such as their QID number or verification codes.

The statement from the ministry also reminded people that official agencies will never request personal or banking details over the phone or via unknown links, and advised victims or recipients of such scams to report suspicious activity through official channels.

How to Stay Safe: Official Guidance

Police and cybersecurity authorities have issued several safety tips to help residents avoid falling victim to such scams:

• Do Not Share Verification Codes or Passwords: Legitimate entities will not ask for sensitive details over unsolicited calls or messages.
• Verify the Caller's Identity: If unsure, ring official numbers listed on government websites instead of relying on details provided by the caller.
• Report Suspicious Activity: The public can report fraud attempts by calling the Dubai Police hotline at 901 or through the eCrime platform designated for electronic crime reporting.

Officials also reminded residents to rely only on official sources of information, such as verified government websites and social media channels, for any service requests related to government IDs, banking services, or digital identity platforms.

Context: Rising Scam Activity

This warning is part of a broader effort to combat rising fraud incidents targeting residents in the UAE. Cybercrime and identity theft have been growing concerns, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated techniques such as smishing (SMS phishing) and impersonation to obtain personal data. Earlier advisories from cybersecurity authorities also highlighted scams that mimic official notices from government agencies, encouraging people to click on malicious links or divulge details under false pretences.

These scams often exploit fear or urgency, such as threats of fines, residency revocation, or security investigations, to coerce victims into complying. That makes public vigilance and awareness critically important.

Embracing Digital Safety

As digital services like UAE Pass are increasingly used to access government, banking, and private sector platforms, securing personal information has never been more important. UAE authorities continue to remind residents that government entities will not unsolicitedly ask for passwords, verification codes, or banking details, and anyone receiving such requests should be considered a suspect until verified.

The latest warnings from Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior represent a concerted effort to protect residents from fraud and to ensure confidence in digital identity tools remains high. Staying alert, verifying communications, and reporting suspicious contacts can help thwart scammers and protect individuals against identity theft and financial loss in an increasingly connected world.