A video or voice message that looks like it comes from MOHRE can be fake. In late September 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation warned that fraudsters may use deepfake videos, cloned voices and fake images of MOHRE officials to get your personal details, bank details or money. This guide shows you how to spot a MOHRE deepfake scam, how to check if a message is real, and where to report it.
What did MOHRE warn about?
MOHRE said scammers can make content that looks and sounds like it comes from the ministry, its officials or its staff. The aim is to make you share personal or banking information, click a harmful link, or send money. These messages often push you to act fast.
The ministry’s message was short: “Don’t be fooled. What you see may not be real.” (as reported by Gulf News). MOHRE’s advice was:
- Do not trust a video or voice note just because it looks or sounds real.
- Check every request or announcement through MOHRE’s official channels before you act.
- Do not share personal or bank details with an unverified caller or message.
- Check a link before you click it.
- If you are not sure, do not reply. Contact the MOHRE call centre first.
How do fake recruiters use video calls and WhatsApp?
The trick is old: make you trust a fake person, then ask for money or data. UAE police and news reports describe these patterns:
- Real company names, fake jobs. In January 2026, Dubai Police warned that scammers use fake company names, real-looking websites, or pretend to be well-known Dubai companies. Then they ask for “visa”, “training” or “background check” fees, and the job disappears.
- A real-looking video interview. In 2025, The National reported a teacher who had a video-call interview, received an offer, paid a “processing fee” through a link, and then the recruiters vanished. A video call alone proves nothing.
- “Remote jobs” that use your bank account. In the October 2026 cyber safety campaign, Dubai Police warned about fake job ads that ask for access to your bank account, or ask you to receive and transfer money. A Dubai Police official said people who were tricked into this can still end up in a criminal investigation.
- WhatsApp-only contact. Everything happens on WhatsApp, Telegram or a Gmail-type address.
For more warning signs, read our guide to spotting fake job offers in the UAE.
How can I tell if a MOHRE video or call is fake?
AI fakes keep improving, so do not trust your eyes alone. These signs should make you stop:
- Someone “from MOHRE” contacts you first and asks for money, an OTP, card details, your bank login or a copy of your Emirates ID.
- There is a deadline or a threat. “Pay today or your work permit will be cancelled.” “Your labour ban starts tomorrow.”
- The link is not on mohre.gov.ae. Look closely at the web address. A small spelling change is a common trick.
- The video looks slightly wrong. Lips do not match the words, the face looks too smooth or the voice sounds flat. But a good fake may show none of these signs.
- They will not let you call back. A real official will not mind if you contact MOHRE yourself.
One useful fact: MOHRE does offer video calls with its customer service team, but you start that call yourself from the official MOHRE app (“Support and Contact”) or its WhatsApp. If a “MOHRE officer” video-calls you out of nowhere, treat it as suspicious.
How do I check if a message is really from MOHRE?
- Stop. Do not click, pay or send documents yet.
- Contact MOHRE yourself. Call 600590000, or message the same number on WhatsApp. MOHRE says its WhatsApp account is verified by Meta, so check for the verified badge.
- Use only the official website and app. Type mohre.gov.ae yourself. Do not use a link sent to you.
- Check job offers by number. A real offer is registered with MOHRE. You can check it on inquiry.mohre.gov.ae using “Enquiry for Job Offer”. Our guide on how to read a UAE job offer letter explains each line.
- Remember the basic rule. Under UAE labour law, the employer pays recruitment costs. A “fee” asked from you is a red flag.
Where do I report a MOHRE deepfake scam?
First save screenshots of chats, phone numbers, links, offer letters and payment receipts. Then stop replying and do not send more money.
- Dubai: Dubai Police eCrime platform (ecrimehub.gov.ae), the Dubai Police app, 901 (non-emergency) or the nearest police station. Call 999 in an emergency.
- Anywhere in the UAE: the Ministry of Interior eCrime platform in the MOI UAE app, or the My Safe Society app.
- Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police Aman service, toll-free 8002626.
- MOHRE: call 600590000 to confirm whether the message or person is real.
If you saw a fake job post that uses our name or one of our listings, please tell us here.
Quick answers
Will MOHRE ever ask me to pay on WhatsApp?
Do not pay anyone who contacts you first. Call 600590000 yourself and ask.
Is a video interview proof that a job is real?
No. Scammers use video calls, and AI can now fake faces and voices. Check the company and the offer through official channels.
Someone wants to “pay my salary” through my bank account. Is that OK?
No. Never let a stranger use your account to receive or move money. Police say this can pull you into a criminal case.
I already paid. What now?
Call your bank at once, keep all proof and report to the police.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and contact details can change, so please check MOHRE or the official police website for your case.
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