Latest news with #unauthorizedoffices
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
‘Identity and Citizenship' warns against online accounts misleading customers with promises of fast-track services
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has urged all customers—citizens, residents, and visitors wishing to come to or live and work in the United Arab Emirates—to exercise caution when applying for services and to rely solely on authorised channels. The Authority warned against responding to misleading advertisements promoted by unauthorized offices or companies through websites and social media platforms. The Authority emphasised that it provides its services through simplified and user-friendly procedures via official approved channels, including its website, smart application, and authorised service centres and typing offices across the country. It clarified that it has not granted any special privileges or facilitations to offices or companies that advertise on social media claiming to offer faster services with fewer procedures, with the aim of misleading customers and collecting money without legal basis. The Authority warned of the growing presence of illegal online practices conducted by certain accounts on social media and websites, where such entities promote services allegedly offered by the Authority, claiming to expedite government services without fulfilling the required regulations or approved standards, in exchange for excessive fees. The Authority stressed that these entities rely on deceptive advertising tactics to exploit customers, which damages the Authority's reputation, creates security vulnerabilities, and contributes to the growth of a black market that undermines fairness and transparency in service delivery. It confirmed that these suspicious practices are being monitored in preparation for taking the necessary legal actions in coordination with the competent legal authorities in the country.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ads offering 'quick' UAE visa services at higher prices fake, says authority
Residents and visitors in the UAE have been strictly warned of misleading online advertisements that promise expedited visa and residency services, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced. In a statement released on Friday, the ICP advised all customers — including citizens, residents, and visitors — to use only official channels for all their service needs. The authority cautioned against engaging with unauthorised offices and social media accounts that claim to offer fast-track application processing. The ICP emphasised that it has not granted any special privileges to third-party entities that advertise accelerated services. These operators, the authority stated, aim to deceive customers and illegally collect money by promoting faster processing times and simpler procedures. 'The authority provides its services through simplified and user-friendly procedures via official approved channels, including its website, smart application, and authorised service centres and typing offices across the country,' the statement read. Officials have noted a rise in illegal online activities where entities falsely claim to expedite government services without adhering to required regulations, often charging exorbitant fees. These deceptive practices not only exploit customers but also damage the authority's reputation and create security risks. The ICP confirmed it is actively monitoring these suspicious accounts and websites. In coordination with relevant legal bodies, the authority is preparing to take necessary legal action against these fraudulent operators to ensure fairness and transparency in service delivery.
