In a surge of sophisticated cyber fraud targeting UAE residents, a new wave of voice phishing (vishing) scams has emerged, posing as authorities from the police, Ministry of Interior, or even banks.
These scams aim to deceive unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive personal information under the guise of verifying their UAE Pass accounts.
The modus operandi of these scammers involves cold-calling individuals armed with detailed personal information such as Emirates ID numbers and expiry dates.
Brejesh Rajan, a Dubai resident, fell victim to such an attack when he received a call purportedly from the UAE ICP (Integrated Criminalistics Programme).
The caller, possessing Rajan’s official details, claimed to be finalizing his Emirates ID renewal and requested his cooperation under the pretense of updating security protocols.
“I received codes from my UAE Pass app without initiating them, followed by instructions to authorize one,” Rajan recounted.
Despite his initial trust due to the caller’s knowledge of his personal details, Rajan grew suspicious when asked for sensitive banking information.
Refusing to comply led to aggressive threats from the scammer, eventually resulting in Rajan’s UAE Pass being temporarily blocked.
Similar accounts have surfaced across social media platforms, where residents recount aggressive tactics used by scammers demanding immediate compliance.
Ann Mel, a media executive in Dubai, described a frantic call demanding verification of her Emirates ID, which was abruptly terminated when she recognized the scammer’s aggressive tone.
Authorities have acknowledged the rise in such fraudulent activities, cautioning residents to remain vigilant.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) emphasized the robust security of UAE Pass but urged users not to share OTPs (One-Time Passwords) or other sensitive information prompted by unsolicited calls or emails.
Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director at Rayad Group, highlighted how fraudsters acquire personal data through various illicit means, including data leaks and malware.
Techniques such as phishing emails and deceptive phone calls exploit vulnerabilities in personal data security, urging residents to adopt stringent cybersecurity practices.
To mitigate risks, Ayub advised against installing software from unknown sources and stressed the importance of promptly reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
He also emphasized the need for continuous vigilance and updating of digital security measures.
Khalifa bin Huwaidan Al Ketbi, Chairman of CAWCAB LLC, warned of identity cloning and digital extortion tactics employed by cybercriminals. Al Ketbi urged collaboration between governments and digital platforms to combat fraud effectively.
In response to these evolving threats, residents are advised to:
- Exercise Caution: Verify the authenticity of calls or emails requesting sensitive information.
- Educate Themselves: Stay informed about common tactics used by scammers and remain skeptical of unsolicited communications.
- Secure Digital Footprint: Regularly update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid sharing OTPs or banking details over the phone.
As the UAE continues to enhance its cybersecurity framework, residents are encouraged to stay updated with advisories from authorities to safeguard against potential threats.
The surge in vishing scams underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and proactive cybersecurity measures among residents, ensuring their digital identities and financial security remain protected in an increasingly interconnected world.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members