If you have been scammed in the UAE, you should act quickly by securing your accounts, contacting your bank or payment provider where money is involved, preserving all evidence, and reporting the incident to the appropriate police or government authority. Cybercrime and online scams can be reported through official UAE channels, including Dubai Police eCrime, the UAE Ministry of Interior’s eCrimes platform, Abu Dhabi Police Aman service, and the federal Public Prosecution’s My Safe Society app.
What to Do Immediately After Being Scammed in the UAE
The first few hours after a scam can be important, particularly where the scam involves a bank transfer, card payment, account takeover, or stolen personal information.
Take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Contact your bank or payment provider if money has been transferred or an unauthorized transaction has occurred.
- Block or secure affected accounts, cards, and digital wallets if your financial or login information has been compromised.
- Preserve all evidence before deleting messages, blocking the scammer, or closing an account.
- Report the scam to the appropriate police or government channel.
- Seek legal advice if the financial loss is significant, the identity of the scammer is known, or the matter has developed into a criminal or civil dispute.
Do not continue communicating with the scammer simply because they promise to return your money. Further communication can create additional risks, particularly if the person asks for another payment, OTP, password, or identity document.
UAE Laws That Apply to Scams and Online Fraud
Being scammed in the UAE does not automatically mean that one specific criminal article applies to every case. The applicable law depends on how the deception occurred, what the scammer obtained or attempted to obtain, whether electronic means were used, and the evidence available to establish the conduct.
Fraud Under the UAE Penal Code
Under Article 451 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on the Crimes and Penalties Law, fraud can arise where a person uses fraudulent practices, a false name, or a false capacity to obtain movable property or a written instrument, obtain a signature, or cause the cancellation or alteration of such an instrument, with the intention of deceiving the victim and causing them to hand it over. The provision also covers certain dealings involving property where the person knows they do not own the property or have the right to dispose of it and the conduct causes harm.
This means that a scam does not necessarily have to involve a sophisticated hacking operation. A false identity, misleading representation, fraudulent transaction, fake investment opportunity, or other deliberate deception may potentially give rise to criminal liability when the legal elements of fraud are established.
The evidence is important. A victim may need to demonstrate what the scammer represented, what the victim was led to believe, what was handed over or transferred, and how the alleged deception caused the loss. Relevant evidence may include contracts, invoices, bank-transfer records, messages, emails, advertisements, phone numbers, account details, and other communications.
Online and Electronic Fraud
When fraudulent conduct is carried out through an information network, electronic information system, or information technology means, the UAE’s cybercrime legislation may also become relevant.
Article 40 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes addresses obtaining movable property, a benefit, a document, or a signature through fraudulent electronic methods, including the use of a false name or identity. The provision establishes imprisonment of at least one year and/or a fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 1 million for conduct falling within its scope.
This can be relevant to scams conducted through fake websites, social media accounts, messaging applications, fraudulent online advertisements, impersonation, electronic payment schemes, or other technology-based deception. The fact that a scam happened online, however, does not by itself establish liability under every cybercrime provision; the specific conduct and evidence must be assessed against the statutory requirements.
What Must Be Proved in a Scam Case?
A scam report is not simply a matter of showing that money was lost. The circumstances surrounding the transaction and the alleged deception can determine whether the conduct amounts to a criminal offence.
Depending on the case, the investigation may examine:
- The representation made to the victim: What exactly did the suspected scammer say, promise, advertise, or claim?
- The identity or capacity used: Did the person use a false name, impersonate another person or organization, or claim an authority or position they did not have?
- The method of deception: How was the victim allegedly persuaded to transfer money, provide property, disclose information, or sign a document?
- The financial or other loss: What money, property, benefit, document, or signature was obtained or attempted to be obtained?
- The intention behind the conduct: Evidence may be examined to determine whether the conduct involved the intention to deceive rather than merely a genuine transaction that later failed.
- Electronic evidence: For online scams, investigators may examine messages, emails, websites, account information, transaction records, device data, and other digital evidence.
- The connection between the conduct and the loss: The evidence should establish how the alleged deception resulted in the victim handing over the relevant money, property, document, or other benefit.
For this reason, a failed business deal, unpaid debt, delayed service, or contractual disagreement is not automatically the same as criminal fraud. The distinction between a genuine civil or commercial dispute and conduct containing the elements of a criminal offence can require careful legal assessment.
How Al Ramsy Advocates Can Help Scam Victims
If you have lost money through an online, financial, investment, impersonation, or other scam, Al Ramsy Advocates can assess the circumstances of the incident, review the available evidence, and advise you on the appropriate legal response under UAE law.
Our lawyers can assist with evaluating the potential criminal aspects of the conduct, organizing relevant evidence, preparing legal complaints, communicating with the appropriate authorities, and considering available compensation or recovery options. Where the matter involves electronic communications or digital evidence, we can also assess the legal issues arising from messages, transaction records, online accounts, and other relevant material.
If you have already reported the scam, received a police or prosecution reference, been contacted by the suspected party, or discovered that the matter involves multiple jurisdictions, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand the next procedural steps and protect your position.
For urgent assistance, our criminal lawyers can advise you on the appropriate response based on the specific facts of your case.
Where to Report a Scammer in the UAE
The UAE provides several official reporting channels. The appropriate channel can depend on the emirate and the nature of the incident.
| Reporting channel | When it may be relevant | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Police eCrime | Online scams, hacking and cybercrime in Dubai | Provides an online route for reporting cybercrime |
| UAE Ministry of Interior eCrimes | Cybercrime across the UAE | Provides an official electronic reporting channel through the MOI |
| Abu Dhabi Police Aman | Suspicious activity and security information in Abu Dhabi | Receives confidential security information |
| My Safe Society | Crimes or suspicious activities involving social media | Allows reports and supporting evidence to be submitted to the Federal Public Prosecution |
| Nearest police station | Criminal fraud and scams requiring a police report | Allows the victim to make a report directly to the competent police authority |
| Bank or financial institution | Unauthorized banking or card transactions | Allows the transaction/account to be secured and the fraud to be investigated |
The UAE Government confirms that cybercrimes can be reported through the MOI eCrimes platform, Dubai Police’s eCrime website, Abu Dhabi Police Aman, My Safe Society, or the nearest police station. For emergencies, the official government platform directs the public to call 999.
How to Report a Scam Through Dubai Police eCrime
If the incident occurred online in Dubai, Dubai Police’s eCrime service is one of the principal reporting channels.
The service can be used for cybercrime-related incidents such as online fraud and other offenses committed through digital channels. Dubai Police also launched the eCrime Hub, an awareness platform explaining common cybercrime and fraud methods and how members of the public can protect themselves.
When making a report, provide as much factual information as possible, including:
- The scammer’s phone number or username
- Website or social media profile used
- Bank account or payment details provided by the scammer
- Date and time of the communication
- Amount transferred or lost
- Screenshots of conversations
- Emails and relevant attachments
- Transaction receipts
- Any identification information provided by the scammer
- Details of how the scam was carried out
How to Report Cybercrime Through the UAE Ministry of Interior
The UAE Ministry of Interior also provides an eCrimes reporting platform. The UAE Government identifies the MOI eCrimes platform as one of the official channels for reporting cybercrime online.
This can be relevant where the incident involves online fraud, hacking, impersonation, or another form of cybercrime and the matter is not limited to a particular Dubai-based reporting route.
If you are unsure which reporting channel applies to your circumstances, you can also report the matter to the nearest police station.
How to Report a Scam in Abu Dhabi
For incidents in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Police provides the Aman service, which operates as a confidential channel for reporting security information and suspicious activity.
Aman is different from making a formal criminal report. Abu Dhabi Police states that Aman receives security information rather than criminal reports. If you want to make a formal police report, you should go to the nearest police station or use the appropriate official reporting channel.
The Aman service in Abu Dhabi is available 24/7 and allows information to be provided confidentially. Abu Dhabi Police currently lists the Aman number as 8002626.
How My Safe Society Can Be Used to Report Online Scams
The federal Public Prosecution’s My Safe Society application provides another reporting channel for crimes or suspicious activities occurring on social media.
The application allows users to submit reports confidentially and attach supporting evidence such as photographs, videos, audio recordings, and URLs.
This can be particularly relevant when the scam involves a social media account, suspicious online activity, or content that should be brought to the attention of the Public Prosecution.
What Evidence Should You Collect Before Reporting a Scam?
Evidence can help authorities understand what happened and identify the individuals or accounts involved.
Create a complete record of the incident rather than keeping only the final message or transaction.
Save the Scam Communications
Keep:
- WhatsApp, emails and SMS messages
- Social media conversations
- Voice messages and screenshots
- Usernames and profile links
- Website URLs
- Advertisements or listings used by the scammer
Do not crop screenshots unnecessarily if doing so removes information that could help establish the identity, date, time, or context of the communication.
Keep Financial Records
If money was involved, preserve:
- Bank transfer receipts
- Transaction reference numbers
- Card transaction records
- Bank statements
- Account numbers or IBANs provided by the scammer
- Cryptocurrency transaction information, where applicable
You should also record the date, time, amount, and method of every payment.
Preserve Identity and Contact Information
Save every identifying detail available, including:
- Telephone numbers
- Email addresses
- Social media usernames
- Website domains
- Bank account details
- Names used by the scammer
- Company names or logos used to appear legitimate
- Copies of identification documents sent to or received from the scammer
Even information that appears insignificant can become relevant when combined with other evidence.
Contact Your Bank Immediately if Money Was Transferred
If a scam resulted in an unauthorized transaction or fraudulent use of a payment instrument, reporting the incident to your bank should happen immediately and should not wait for the police report.
The UAE Central Bank’s current consumer-protection requirements require licensed financial institutions to maintain responsive channels for reporting loss, theft, fraud, or misuse involving accounts, cards, and digital instruments. They must also have procedures for documenting reports and taking steps such as blocking affected accounts or replacing cards where appropriate.
The Central Bank also maintains official information concerning fraudulent communications that falsely use the CBUAE’s name, logo, address, or the identity of its employees.
If your bank account has been compromised, ask the bank what immediate steps are available to prevent additional transactions while the incident is investigated.
Reporting a Scammer Without Knowing Their Real Identity
You do not necessarily need to know the scammer’s real name or physical location before reporting the incident. The information already available to you can help authorities identify the person, account, device, or transaction connected to the alleged scam.
When making a report, provide as much identifying and transactional information as possible, including:
- Phone numbers used by the suspected scammer
- Bank account or payment details
- Social media usernames and profile URLs
- Email addresses and relevant email headers
- Website or online advertisement URLs
- IP or other technical information, if available
- Transaction references and payment receipts
- Screenshots, messages, emails, voice notes, and other communications
Even information that appears incomplete can be relevant when combined with other evidence. Do not delete conversations or alter screenshots simply because you do not know the person’s real identity. The authorities can determine what further information may be required as part of the investigation.
You should also avoid attempting to identify, track, threaten, or confront the suspected scammer yourself. Trying to access their accounts or obtain information through unauthorized methods could create separate legal issues and may compromise the evidence relating to your original complaint.
What Happens After a Scam Report Is Filed?
The process after reporting a scam depends on the nature of the incident, the available evidence, the authorities involved, and whether the matter involves financial transactions, electronic communications, identity misuse, or other criminal conduct.
Authorities may review the initial complaint and supporting documents before requesting additional information or evidence. Depending on the circumstances, the investigation may involve examining communications and electronic records, reviewing transaction information, identifying accounts or individuals connected to the incident, and referring the matter to the competent Public Prosecution or judicial authority where appropriate.
The filing of a report does not automatically guarantee that the stolen money will be recovered or that a particular criminal outcome will follow. Recovery may depend on factors such as whether the funds can be traced or frozen, where the money was transferred, whether the suspected offender can be identified, where that person or relevant assets are located, and what evidence can be established during the investigation.
For significant or complicated cases, particularly those involving substantial financial losses, identity theft, unauthorized account access, threats, multiple transactions, or suspected organized activity, obtaining legal advice can help you understand the available remedies and the appropriate steps after the initial report.
Al Ramsy Advocates can assist with reviewing the circumstances of the scam, organizing and assessing the available evidence, advising on the appropriate legal route, and representing clients where further criminal or compensation proceedings are required.
Legal Options for Scam Victims in the UAE
A scam can involve more than simply filing a police report. Depending on the circumstances, the victim may need assistance with criminal complaints, electronic evidence, financial recovery, or related civil proceedings.
If the matter involves online fraud, Our criminal lawyers can assist with understanding the applicable UAE criminal law, preparing a legal response, and dealing with the relevant authorities.
Where the case involves electronic fraud or another cybercrime, Our cybercrime lawyers can help assess the digital evidence, the alleged conduct, and the legal issues arising from the incident.
If the scam has resulted in a broader financial or contractual dispute, obtaining legal advice can also help determine whether additional civil remedies may be available alongside the criminal complaint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Scam
Victims sometimes make the situation more difficult by taking immediate action without first preserving evidence or securing their accounts. Even if you are under pressure to recover your money quickly, avoid actions that could result in lost evidence, additional financial loss, or further exposure to the scammer.
Avoid:
- Deleting the conversation with the scammer: Keep WhatsApp chats, emails, SMS messages, and social media conversations intact so they can be reviewed as part of the report.
- Sending additional money to recover the original payment: Scammers may claim that a further payment, processing fee, tax, or verification charge is required before your money can be returned.
- Sharing OTPs, passwords, or banking information: Never provide additional security credentials, even if the person claims to be a bank employee, police officer, or government official.
- Giving the scammer further identity documents: Avoid sending copies of your Emirates ID, passport, bank card, or other personal documents after the scam has been identified.
- Publicly accusing the suspected scammer without legal advice: Posting allegations or personal information online can create separate legal issues, particularly where the identity of the suspected person has not been established.
- Altering screenshots or digital evidence: Keep original messages, screenshots, transaction records, and files in their original form where possible. Do not edit or manipulate evidence before submitting it.
- Attempting to access the scammer’s accounts: Do not try to hack, track, threaten, or retaliate against the suspected scammer yourself, even if you believe you have identified them.
- Waiting unnecessarily before contacting the bank about an unauthorized transaction: If money has been transferred without authorization or your financial information has been compromised, contact the bank or payment provider as soon as possible.
The safest approach is to preserve the evidence, secure your accounts, notify the relevant financial institution, and report the incident through an official UAE channel. Keeping a clear record of what happened, when it happened, and what information or money was involved can also make it easier for the authorities and your legal adviser to assess the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a scammer in the UAE?
You can report cybercrime through official UAE channels including the MOI eCrimes platform, Dubai Police eCrime, Abu Dhabi Police Aman service, or the federal Public Prosecution’s My Safe Society application. You can also report a crime at the nearest police station.
How do I report an online scam in Dubai?
Online scams in Dubai can be reported through Dubai Police’s eCrime service. You should provide available evidence such as messages, phone numbers, social media profiles, transaction records, and other information identifying the scam.
Can I report a scammer if I do not know their real name?
Yes. You can provide the information you have, including a telephone number, social media account, email address, bank account details, website, or transaction information. The authorities can assess the available information as part of the investigation.
What evidence do I need to report a scam?
Useful evidence can include chat logs, screenshots, emails, phone numbers, social media profiles, website URLs, bank statements, transaction receipts, beneficiary details, payment references, and any documents or identity information provided by the scammer.
Should I Block the Scammer Before Reporting Them?
If the scammer is still contacting you, preserve the relevant communications and evidence before blocking the account or number. If there is an immediate threat or risk of further financial loss, however, protecting your accounts and stopping unauthorized transactions should take priority. If you have already blocked the scammer, keep any screenshots, transaction records, URLs, account information, and other evidence that you still have.
Should I contact my bank after an online scam?
Yes. If money was transferred or an unauthorized transaction occurred, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. UAE banking requirements provide channels for customers to report fraud, loss, theft, or misuse involving accounts, cards, and digital payment instruments.
Can a lawyer help me recover money from a scammer in the UAE?
A lawyer can advise you on the legal procedures available based on the circumstances, including criminal complaints, electronic evidence, and potential civil or financial recovery measures. Recovery itself depends on factors such as the available evidence, identification of the offender, location of the funds, and the outcome of the relevant proceedings.
Conclusion
Being scammed can create both immediate financial problems and wider legal concerns, particularly where the incident involves electronic fraud, identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or the misuse of personal information. Acting quickly to secure your accounts, preserve evidence, notify your bank, and make an official report can help establish a clear record of what happened.
Al Ramsy Advocates & Legal Consultants assists individuals and businesses in the UAE with criminal defense and cybercrime matters, including cases involving online fraud, digital evidence, financial scams, and related criminal complaints. If you have lost money to a scam or are involved in a cybercrime investigation, legal advice can help you understand the applicable UAE laws, reporting process, and potential legal remedies based on the circumstances of your case.
