'Do Not Give Face, Fingerprint Scans to Agents': Indian Consulate in Dubai Issues Urgent Advisory for Indians
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Consulate General of India in Dubai issued a sharp advisory on Monday, warning Indian nationals across the United Arab Emirates, particularly blue-collar workers, against a growing biometric identity theft and loan scam orchestrated by fraudulent agents.
Unauthorised brokers operating across Dubai and the Northern Emirates have been targeting vulnerable workers by promising false assistance with visa regularisation, emergency certificates, exit permits, and Emirates IDs.
During these interactions, scammers trick workers into scanning their faces and fingerprints. Unbeknownst to the victims, these biometrics are then used to open fake bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and secure heavy loans in their names.
How the Biometric Fraud Operates
Victims of the racket face severe legal consequences, including unexpected financial liabilities, compounding official fines, travel bans, and potential imprisonment by UAE authorities for defaults on loans they never took.
Indian consular officials stressed that neither the Consulate General of India in Dubai nor the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi collects fingerprint or facial biometric scans for issuing passports or emergency certificates.
"Biometric scans (eye/face scan or fingerprint), where required for exit permit, Emirates ID, or visa regularisation, must be furnished ONLY at official UAE Government facilities," the advisory stated, urging citizens never to hand sensitive credentials to private third-party operators.
Verification Channels Issued for Workers
The diplomatic mission urged all Indian expats and visitors to verify any service agent's credentials through official channels before sharing documents or personal data.
Indian nationals approached by suspicious individuals demanding biometric data or identity cards can contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra (PBSK) for immediate verification:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 80046342
- WhatsApp / SMS: +971 543090571
- Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
Community leaders and social workers across the UAE have been asked to circulate the advisory widely through labour accommodation centres and industrial pockets to protect vulnerable workers from falling into financial traps.
