Reporting Internet Fraud in the UAE

Technology has its advantages, yet there are risks involved, too. The best thing that the UAE government has introduced several online complaint systems for the support of residents. However, e-commerce has made lives easier for the UAE residents, but cybercrime has also increased. Online scams have become common in the UAE. Victims should report the internet frauds to relevant authorities without wasting the time. Do not delete or lose the screenshots, website links, email messages, phone numbers etc. Prompt complaint or reporting can arrange a quick support from authorities. Online scams often involve financial fraud, money extortion, fraud job offers, or phishing. People unknowingly visit fake websites or click on suspicious links. Scams also occur through calls impersonating banks or workplaces, demanding sensitive credentials. Password reuse and storing credit cards on shopping sites increase risk.

Some online scams are not caught easily, and they are very difficult to detect. It could be a person calling for investment opportunities or a great job opportunity. These scammers try to act like a reliable person calling from a well-known organisation. In these situations, the victims do not verify the information and provide details on the same call.

The UAE has made an efficient complaint system for its citizens. Victims can create a digital complaint against the online scam. It is a quick way to trace the fraudster, as evidence is right there after the incident. The victim does not have to visit the police station physically. They can log in to the official portal of the police department and submit their complaint with evidence. SPS or smart police stations, in Dubai are also very helpful. It is important for the victim to update the police with accurate information about the cybercrime. The criminal investigation is incomplete without having some solid evidence against the crime. There could be screenshots or transaction records, and the website could be used as evidence.

The UAE government ensures every citizen is protected from scams. Therefore, it ensures that people report to the officials only. There are several portals to report online, but the victims must know that they are making a complaint on the official channel. The information gathered by the authorities through reporting the crime leads them to make a better criminal investigation.

Reporting scams is time-sensitive. Victims should quickly report the fraudster with the immediate evidence they have. For example, if a scammer calls as a person from the bank and you have made the financial transaction, then you must keep the screenshot of the transaction and record the number in your report. Fraudsters usually deactivate their numbers and profiles after doing the scam.

The UAE has introduced consumer protection rules and regulations. It allows the customer to make a complaint if the product shown in the advertisement is not the same as the one purchased online. These are deceptive business practices and add to the list of online scams. Therefore, online buyers should carefully make purchases on the internet. In fact, they must never add card details unless they do not want to buy something.

Online marketplaces have created new opportunities for commerce. However, they have also attracted scammers who advertise products that do not exist or fail to deliver purchased items.

Consumers should verify sellers, review company information, and use secure payment methods whenever possible. Therefore, informed purchasing decisions can help reduce fraud risks.

Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection
This law applies to goods and services provided in the UAE, including certain e-commerce transactions.

Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023 Concerning Modern Technology-Based Trade
This law regulates digital trade, online stores, platforms, digital contracts, and consumer rights.

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes
Where the online seller uses a fake website, false identity, or fraudulent method to obtain money, Article 40 on Internet Fraud may apply.

Evidence forms the foundation of any online fraud report. Without sufficient documentation, investigators may face difficulties establishing how the scam occurred or identifying responsible individuals. Victims should preserve all available records related to the incident. Moreover, organised documentation can assist authorities in reviewing the facts and determining whether criminal conduct has occurred.

A digital proof could be anything that is related to mobile or the internet. For example, if you were scammed via email by clicking on the link or even if you got a call on your mobile phone, it is a digital scam. Therefore, the digital proofs include: communication conducted through emails and phone calls, screenshots of the payments and account statements to trace the financial transaction. It is important to know that you must never mishandle the evidence by altering the files.

Scams on the internet are conducted in a technical manner. It is beyond a person’s imagination how these fraudsters get all the information about the person. Therefore, the victim must contact a legal support to assist them with the legal complaint and advise on the fraudulent cases. Individuals may find several lawyers in the UAE to help them with cybercrime issues, but they must choose a prolific advocate to strengthen their case and get justice.

A victim of online scams has several rights that can be defended under the cybercrime laws. This means they can report internet fraud on the portal and ask for legal assistance. Moreover, informed decisions are made with the help of legal representation.

The UAE government has worked effectively to combat cybercrime. These suspicious activities happen with citizens when they share sensitive information with the public or a fraudster on the phone. An example of a cybercrime could be a person who impersonates as being from the bank and asks for credit details from the victim. Moreover, it could be online when a person’s account has been hacked. It is not easy to chase the fraudster; therefore, the victims must report their case online with evidence to trace the criminal. However, legal assistance is required in these cases because of the complexities and technical information the case holds.

An important tip is that whenever you log on to your internet account, try not to save the details of your credit card. The moment you purchase the item or service, remove the card details. Often, reliable companies are hacked, so your credit card is at risk. Hiring a lawyer is effective for your online scam case because they would know the technical details to manage the case.