UAE authorities warn of Google Meet scam impersonating ICP officials

Scammers are contacting victims through Google Meet invitations from fake email addresses (e.g. 'governmenticfederal15@gmail.com') claiming to represent ICP and other government entities. During calls, they inform victims of allegedly unpaid fees linked to Emirates ID, residency files or government records, demanding immediate settlement to avoid penalties or legal consequences. Victims are then asked to provide full Emirates ID and passport details before being instructed to transfer money to personal bank accounts. In some cases, scammers claim to be conducting identity verification or updating government records, warning that non-cooperation could result in administrative penalties or service restrictions. ICP has confirmed it does not contact customers via Google Meet, personal email, or social media to request sensitive information or payments. Government fees are collected only through approved channels. Warning signs include Google Meet invitations, requests for Emirates ID copies, urgent payment demands, and messages from generic email domains (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) rather than official government domains. No UAE government entity requests payments through personal bank accounts or asks for sensitive personal information during online meetings.