UAE warns residents of Google Meet scam impersonating ICP officials to steal Emirates ID data

UAE authorities have warned residents of a fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate officials from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) using Google Meet calls and fake email accounts.

The fraudsters target victims to extract personal data and money, falsely claiming to represent the ICP and other government bodies. Invitations arrive from free email accounts such as Gmail addresses including "governmenticfederal15@gmail.com."

What is the UAE Google Meet ICP scam and how does it work?

Scammers contact residents via Google Meet invitations sent from free email accounts. During calls, they pose as ICP officials and claim that fees linked to Emirates ID records, residency files or government services are overdue. They demand immediate payment to avoid penalties, then request sensitive details including Emirates ID numbers, passport information and bank account access.

In other variations, callers claim to be conducting identity verification or updating official records, warning that non-compliance will result in administrative restrictions or suspension of government services. Fraudsters use the names of trusted government institutions to make their demands appear credible. Senior police officials have urged the public to verify all official communications through authorised channels before responding.

How can you tell if an ICP call is a scam?

The ICP has confirmed it does not conduct Google Meet calls, use personal email accounts, or contact residents via social media to request Emirates ID details, banking information or payments. All official fees are collected only through approved government platforms. Any communication arriving from Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail accounts, rather than official government domains, is a red flag.

Authorities identified several additional warning signs: invitations to video meetings from unknown contacts, urgent payment demands, requests for copies of identity documents, and pressure to transfer money to personal bank accounts. Major Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Cybercrime Department at Dubai Police, has advised residents to avoid engaging with any suspicious online requests and to use only official channels for verification.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious Google Meet call in the UAE?

Residents are advised to immediately discontinue any suspicious communication and not share personal or financial information with unknown contacts. Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police, has warned that criminals routinely exploit trusted government names to deceive victims. No UAE government entity requests payments via personal bank accounts or asks for sensitive information during online meetings.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call should report it through official cybercrime reporting channels. Residents can verify any communication directly through official government websites, mobile applications or customer service centres before taking any action. Authorities stressed that protecting personal information remains the primary defence against cyber fraud.