What to Do If You’re Accused of Fraud in the UAE
Imagine you’re walking into a busy souk (market), and someone sells you a “genuine” designer bag at half-the-price; only later do you discover it’s fake. In the UAE, fraud can look like that: false promises, forged documents, or deceptive schemes. If you’re an expat and find yourself a victim or even accused of fraud, a criminal lawyer becomes your roadmap out of a maze. This article explains clearly how a lawyer can help when fraud strikes: what the law says, what your rights are, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Counts as “Fraud” in the UAE: Legal Basics
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, fraud includes obtaining money, movable or immovable property, or documents by deception—e.g., false name, false identity, or misrepresentation.
Deception necessitates that the victim relinquish property or rights; lying alone may not suffice; however, misrepresentation combined with profit frequently results in fraud. In UAE law, fraud requires “fraudulent means” (material acts or external appearances) that convince a victim to surrender property.
For “electronic fraud” (online scams, fake banking apps, phishing, identity theft), there is a separate statute: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on cybercrimes with heavy penalties for online deception.
In the UAE, penalties for fraud are stringent, leading to significant consequences. Judges do not evaluate the charge in isolation while rendering a decision. They consider the overall situation, including:
- How much money was involved
- The way the offense occurred
- Whether there were aggravating aspects such as fraud involving government entities
- The use of fake or altered documents
- Activity carried out online or through digital systems
Summary of UAE Fraud Laws
| Law | Type of Fraud Covered | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 | General Fraud | Deception to obtain money, property, or documents |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 | Electronic / Cyber Fraud | Online scams, phishing, fake apps, identity theft |
The Role of a Criminal Lawyer in Your Case
Evaluate Whether the Act Qualifies as “Fraud” Under UAE Law
Fraud is a technical crime. A good lawyer assesses whether all legal elements (deception, false identity or misrepresentation, victim’s consent under that deception, actual loss) are present or whether the case can be challenged as a mere misunderstanding or civil dispute instead of criminal fraud.
Help Victims File Criminal Complaints and Collect Evidence
If you’re a victim (scam, fraud, cyber-fraud, bad cheque, real-estate scam, identity theft), a lawyer helps you prepare a complaint, gather documents and evidence (chat logs, emails, contracts, screenshots), and submit to authorities properly. This increases chances of a thorough investigation and recovery.
Legal Protection If You Are Accused
Not everyone who is accused of fraud is doing something wrong on purpose. They can also happen when people don’t understand each other or when business deals go wrong. It’s essential to have a lawyer in these types of situations. A lawyer ensures that your rights are safeguarded during an investigation by the police or when you appear in court. Their assistance can significantly reduce the likelihood of being convicted, fined, or deported.
Civil Claims and Settlements Alongside Criminal Charges
At the exact same time as charges are pending, you can work off settlements, get back stolen property, or file civil claims.
In many fraud cases, civil claims for damages or restitution can happen at the same time as or after criminal cases. A lawyer can assist you in recovering lost funds, assets, or other forms of compensation via appropriate legal avenues. An attorney can assist you in recovering lost funds, assets, or other forms of compensation via appropriate legal avenues.
Obtain Protective Orders and Freeze Assets
A UAE lawyer can secure your claim by promptly obtaining precautionary measures in cases of significant fraud or forgery. To prevent the suspect from fleeing, a travel restriction is implemented, and a precautionary attachment is implemented to immediately freeze their bank accounts, property, and vehicles. Typically, these decrees are issued “ex parte” (without the suspect’s knowledge) to prevent the concealment of assets prior to a final judgment.
When Expats Really Need a Criminal Lawyer
- Fake “get-rich-quick” schemes or online investment frauds: Several expatriates are targeted by fraudulent platforms or social media that advertise high returns. These actions can be readily classified as cyber fraud under UAE law.
- Real estate or rental scams: Forged title deeds, phony agents, and fake bank guarantees. Under false pretenses, individuals who are victims provide funds for down payments or deposits.
- Job or business transaction scams: Fake job offers, fake recruitment agencies, contract fraud, and stealing company money.
- Bank fraud, check scams, and identity theft: Fake cheques, fake banking apps, and transfers that aren’t allowed. Cyber and financial fraud are both very serious crimes.
- Cross-border fraud or international scams: When expats live in another country and are involved through offshore companies or deals made in other countries. Cross-jurisdiction law is complicated, and a lawyer helps make sure everything goes smoothly.
Without a lawyer, handling legal issues abroad is risky and confusing; with one, you have a knowledgeable guide who ensures safer, faster outcomes, saving time, money, and stress.
If You Think You Might Be a Victim of Fraud: Useful Tips for Expats
- Don’t talk to the person you think is a fraudster. Don’t sign anything else or send any more money.
- Keep all proof, like chats, emails, bank statements, contracts, and documents, in both digital and physical form.
- If a significant amount of money is involved, or if the case includes forged documents or identity theft, you should contact a criminal lawyer immediately.
- Tell the police or other authorities about the fraud. Many emirates in the UAE have official websites for reporting cyber fraud.
- Don’t fall for “pay-to-recover” scams, which are when someone asks for money up front to get your lost money back. Real lawyers or government officials won’t ask for a lot of money up front.
- Stay calm and tell your lawyer everything if you are accused. Maintaining an open and honest relationship with your legal team enables them to better protect you. Behaving in a manner that is characterized by fear or concealing information, on the other hand, can have a huge impact on the outcome of your argument.
Conclusion
According to the law of the UAE, fraud crimes that take place in the banking, real estate, commercial, or online sectors are regarded as particularly serious. Expatriates may face severe consequences, such as the potential for deportation, imprisonment, substantial penalties, reputational damage, or property forfeiture.
If you suspect that an individual has engaged in fraudulent activities or if you have been the subject of an investigation, it is essential that you act promptly. Acquire evidence, retain an experienced criminal attorney, and navigate the UAE’s legal system with the appropriate assistance.End-Notes:
- https://www.alrowaad.ae/expertise/litigation-law/
- https://www.alrowaad.ae/expertise/criminal-law/
