UAE residents urged to deal with identity card data with caution

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Identity Authority (EIA) has urged the public to deal with identity card data with caution and responsibility.

In an announcement issued on Wednesday, EIA called on residents and expatriates not to disclose their confidential personal information to unknown people, especially over the phone.

The authority said that preservation of ID card information is the responsibility of the card holder.

The call came after Dubai Police warned against providing national identity card data over the phone without making sure of the caller's identity.

The authority stressed that it is the duty of holders of ID cards not disclose their ID card data which contain confidential information pertaining to its bearer in order to avoid the exploitation of such information by swindlers and fraudsters in illegal practices.

It underlined the need of ID card holders to abide by these duties, which would help maintain the confidentiality of the client's information and save him from any legal accountability.

The authority also highlighted the importance of abiding by this duty, thus helping it achieve its goals represented in developing a safe legal infrastructure and enhancing the national security.

It also said that the card's holder should not change, amend or scrap the card, and the holder shall show it if a legal body asks for it.

The authority asked anyone who finds ID card to give to the nearest Identity card Registration Office or Police Station.