HR and Nationalization Authority Announces Public Notice

UAE Labor Ministry Warns Citizens of Rising Phone Scam Targeting Personal Data

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued an urgent public warning about sophisticated phone scams targeting citizens' personal information, as fraudsters increasingly impersonate government officials to steal sensitive data. The alert highlights a growing cybersecurity threat that mirrors similar scam waves across the Gulf region.

Government Officials Being Impersonated in Data Theft Schemes

The ministry cautioned citizens through its official social media channels to avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious phone numbers. These fraudulent calls, part of what cybersecurity experts call "vishing" (voice phishing), involve scammers posing as representatives from official government agencies to extract personal or confidential information from unsuspecting victims.

"Be cautious of calls from unknown phone numbers that appear fake and fall under 'phone phishing' aimed at obtaining your personal or confidential information, where the caller claims to be from an official entity," the ministry stated in its warning.

Part of Broader Regional Cybercrime Trend

This warning reflects a wider pattern of cybercrime targeting Gulf states, where rapid digitalization has created new vulnerabilities. Similar alerts have been issued by government agencies across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries as scammers exploit citizens' trust in official institutions.

Why These Scams Are Particularly Effective

The UAE's highly regulated environment means citizens are accustomed to receiving legitimate government communications. Scammers exploit this trust, often using caller ID spoofing technology to make their calls appear to originate from official numbers. The country's diverse expatriate population, which may be less familiar with local government procedures, represents a particularly vulnerable target group.

Government Response and Reporting Mechanisms

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has established dedicated channels for reporting suspicious activities. Citizens can contact the ministry directly through its call center at 600590000 or via email at [email protected] to report fraudulent communications claiming to originate from the agency.

Implications for Digital Trust and Economic Security

These scams pose risks beyond individual financial losses. The UAE's vision as a global hub for digital innovation and financial services depends heavily on maintaining public trust in digital communications. Large-scale data breaches or successful phishing campaigns could undermine confidence in the country's digital infrastructure, potentially affecting its competitive position as a regional business center.

The proactive warning also demonstrates the government's commitment to cybersecurity awareness, following international best practices where prevention through education often proves more effective than reactive enforcement measures.