Dubai Court Orders Dh745,000 Compensation After Porsche Scam; Experts Cite UAE Fraud and Cheque Laws

A Dubai civil court has ordered an Arab woman to pay nearly Dh745,000 in compensation after she tricked a European man into handing over his Porsche Carrera using a forged cheque -- an incident that has sparked renewed warnings over the risks of high-value online sales and the tough legal consequences for fraudsters in the UAE.

 

Court records show the victim had listed his luxury sports car for Dh695,000 on an online marketplace when the woman contacted him, expressing interest in purchasing it at the listed price. The two met at a vehicle licensing centre, where she bolstered her credibility with a counterfeit sales contract and a falsified manager’s cheque.

 

Believing the transaction was legitimate, the man transferred the Porsche’s ownership to a third party introduced by the woman. It was only later, when his bank notified him that the cheque was fake, that he realised he had been defrauded. The man reported the case to police, and prosecutors charged the woman with fraud.

 

A Dubai criminal court convicted her of forging and using fraudulent documents, sentencing her to one month in prison with the sentence suspended for three years. She was also fined the full value of the car. Her appeal was rejected, and the criminal judgment became final.

 

The victim subsequently filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh695,000 for the car’s value and Dh200,000 in damages for the psychological and material harm he endured. He told the court that the scam not only deprived him of the car but also disrupted his plans to reinvest the money, causing significant personal and professional setbacks.

 

In its ruling, the Dubai civil court underscored that the fraudulent act caused both financial loss and emotional harm. Citing legal precedent, the judges awarded the man Dh695,000 for the car and an additional Dh50,000 for emotional distress, bringing the total to Dh745,000. The court noted that moral damages could cover harm to dignity and mental well-being.

 

Legal experts say the judgment reflects the UAE’s strict stance against fraud. “Under the UAE Penal Code, forging or using fake documents or cheques to unlawfully obtain property is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment and fines. Victims also have the right to seek civil compensation for both financial and moral damages,” explained Sunil Ambalavelil, Chairman of Kaden Boriss. “This case highlights how UAE courts ensure comprehensive redress for victims while sending a strong deterrent message to fraudsters.”

 

The case has become a cautionary tale for residents engaging in high-value online transactions, emphasising the importance of verifying payment instruments before transferring asset ownership.