A claim by an unknown hacker that personal information can be retrieved using a UAE Emirates ID number has raised concerns about identity theft and fraud.
According to the hacker’s advertisement, a single Emirates ID number could allegedly be used to find sensitive personal information, including:
- Full name and personal photo
- Nationality and date of birth
- Phone number and email address
- Employment information
- Passport number, type, and expiry date
- Other personal details
The hacker claims to sell information about one person for $50 and shared a sample as supposed evidence.
The Claim Has Not Been Verified
There is currently no official or independent confirmation that a UAE government database has been hacked.
Even if some of the information is genuine, this does not necessarily mean that a government system was breached. Personal information may also be collected and stored by other organizations that request Emirates ID details, including telecommunications companies, real estate businesses, car rental companies, and other service providers.
Why This Matters
If accurate, such information could be used for identity theft, fraud, and social engineering.
Criminals could use real personal details to make fake calls or messages appear more convincing. They may pretend to be from a bank, police department, government agency, delivery company, or another trusted organization.
How to Stay Safe
Never send your Emirates ID to untrusted individuals or organizations. Never share an OTP, password, or verification code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Most importantly, do not trust a caller simply because they know personal information about you. If someone claims to represent an organization, end the conversation and contact that organization through its official channels.
A criminal may not need to access your account directly. Sometimes, knowing enough about you is enough to make you trust them.