The Consulate General of India in Dubai has put out a fresh scam alert for Indian nationals living in or visiting the UAE. Issued on August 31, the advisory warns people, blue-collar workers in particular, about fake agents offering help with visas, jobs and government documents.
The Consulate says some unauthorised individuals are asking people for sensitive personal and biometric information while claiming to arrange official services. These scams often come dressed up as offers related to visa regularisation, Emirates IDs, Emergency Certificates, exit permits and employment.
Fake Agents Target Sensitive Personal Information
According to the Consulate, fraudsters may approach Indian nationals by posing as agents who can sort out immigration or documentation problems. In some cases, people are reportedly asked to hand over passport details, Emirates ID information, or biometric scans.
This warning matters because biometric information cannot be treated like a regular document. Fingerprints, facial scans, and eye scans are highly sensitive, and if they are misused, they can lead to serious financial and legal trouble.
Scammers May Ask for Face and Fingerprint Scans
The advisory notes that people involved in these scams may ask victims for face, eye or fingerprint scans while promising to arrange official documents. They may claim these details are needed for an Emergency Certificate, Exit Permit, Emirates ID or visa regularisation.
The Consulate has made it clear that this kind of information should only be given through authorised government facilities and official counters. Indian nationals should be very cautious if a private individual asks for biometric information as part of what they claim is a government service.
Misuse of Biometric Data Can Lead to Financial Fraud
The Consulate has warned that stolen personal and biometric information could be misused for financial transactions. Fraudsters could allegedly use these details to open bank accounts or take out loans and credit cards in someone else’s name.
The fallout can be serious for victims, who may end up facing financial liabilities they never agreed to. The advisory also cautioned that misuse of personal information could lead to fines, travel restrictions and, in some cases, imprisonment.
Do Not Share Your Passport or Emirates ID With Unauthorised Agents
Indian nationals have been advised not to hand over their passports, Emirates IDs, biometric details or financial credentials to unauthorised people or agencies. This holds true even if an agent claims to have connections with UAE authorities or Indian diplomatic missions.
People should independently verify an agent’s identity and credentials before sharing documents or paying for any service. If someone claims they can get a government document sorted quickly or through a special connection, that claim deserves a second look.
Embassy and Consulate Do Not Require Biometric Scans for Passports
The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also clarified something specific about passport and Emergency Certificate applications. It says the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi do not ask applicants for fingerprints or face or eye scans for these services.
That means anyone demanding this kind of biometric information while claiming to represent the Indian Embassy or Consulate should be treated as a likely fraudster. Applicants should not share such information and should instead verify the claim directly with the official mission.
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How Indians Can Verify Agents in the UAE
Indian nationals who are approached by an agent asking for biometric information or Emirates ID details can reach out to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra (PBSK) for verification and help.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-free number | 80046342 |
| WhatsApp/SMS | 00971543090571 |
| pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in |
Be Careful With Visa and Job Offers
The warning also extends to people offering employment-related services. Fake agents may dangle the promise of a job, visa regularisation or documentation support to gain access to sensitive information from workers.
Indian nationals should verify the credentials of recruitment agents and agencies before handing over documents or making any payments. Any suspicious activity should be reported promptly to the Indian Consulate or the relevant UAE authorities.