On September 3, 2026, the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi issued a joint fraud advisory warning Indian nationals in the UAE, including visitors and residents, against sharing sensitive biometric information with unauthorized private agents.
- Joint fraud advisory issued on September 3, 2026
- Fraudsters target blue-collar workers posing as facilitators
- Misuse of biometric data leads to severe financial liability
The advisory follows a formal notice issued by the Indian Consulate Dubai on August 31, 2026, and a similar warning from the Embassy of India Abu Dhabi on August 24, 2026.
Authorities report that fraudsters are targeting blue-collar workers by posing as facilitators for visa regularization, Emergency Certificates, Exit Permits, Outpasses, Emirates ID, and job placement. These individuals request sensitive data, including passports, Emirates ID copies, face scans, eye scans, and fingerprints.
Misuse of this biometric data can lead to unauthorized financial transactions, the opening of fraudulent bank accounts, and the illegal acquisition of loans or credit cards in the victim's name. Such activities can result in severe financial liability, fines, travel bans, and potential imprisonment for the victim.
The Indian Missions clarified that neither the Indian Consulate in Dubai nor the Embassy in Abu Dhabi requests fingerprints, face scans, or eye scans for processing passports or Emergency Certificates. While biometric data may be required for legitimate UAE immigration procedures, such as Emirates ID, visa regularization, or Exit Permits, these must only be provided at official UAE government facilities or recognized counters.
Providing such data to middlemen, private agents, or third-party operators is unsafe. Residents and workers are cautioned against offers on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram promising expedited services. Users are advised to verify all credentials and avoid sharing passport copies, selfies, or banking details with unverified individuals. Fraudsters specifically target vulnerable workers in construction, maintenance, delivery, transport, hospitality, and domestic sectors who may be facing visa expiry or employment disputes.
Indians seeking assistance or wishing to report suspicious activity should contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra via the toll-free helpline at 80046342, via WhatsApp or SMS at 00971543090571, or via email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
Those who have already provided sensitive information to private agents are advised to closely monitor their bank accounts and credit card usage for any unknown or suspicious transactions.
