UAE Court Orders Fraudster to Repay Dh24,500 in Phone Scam Case

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a convicted scammer to repay Dh24,500 he unlawfully withdrew from a victim’s bank account, in a case that underscores the persistent threat of phone-based financial fraud.

 

According to the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court, the defendant must return the stolen sum in full, compensate the victim for emotional distress, and pay annual interest on the amount.

 

Before the civil ruling, the defendant had already been found guilty in a criminal case and fined Dh20,000 for fraud and unlawful possession of funds. The latest judgment, issued on November 11, 2025, ensures the victim is reimbursed for the amount stolen.

 

Court documents show that the victim received a call from a man posing as a bank representative. Speaking convincingly, the caller claimed the victim’s bank card required “urgent verification” to avoid suspension. Misled into believing the caller was an authorised employee, the victim disclosed his card details and one-time password (OTP). Within hours, Dh24,500 had been siphoned from his account.

 

After realising he had been duped, the victim lodged a police complaint. Investigators traced the transactions to the defendant, who had used the stolen credentials to transfer the funds into his own account. He was prosecuted for fraud, electronic deception, and unlawful possession of money.

 

Although the criminal court convicted the accused and imposed a Dh20,000 fine, the victim was still left uncompensated. He then filed a civil lawsuit seeking the return of the Dh24,500, Dh25,000 in damages for emotional and financial harm, and 5 per cent interest.

 

In its reasoning, the civil court said the matter was straightforward because the criminal conviction had already confirmed the defendant’s guilt and established that the funds were taken illegally. It ordered the scammer to repay the full amount with 3 per cent annual interest for delayed payment.

 

The judge also acknowledged the emotional distress suffered by the victim, noting feelings of anxiety, stress, and humiliation. However, as no further material loss was proven, the court awarded Dh3,000 as moral compensation, deeming it fair and proportionate. The defendant was also directed to bear all court fees and legal costs.

 

Authorities in the UAE continue to urge residents not to share OTPs, PINs, or card details over the phone and to verify any suspicious communication directly with their banks. Financial institutions and regulators, including the UAE Central Bank, are intensifying awareness campaigns to combat phishing and online fraud.