UAE: Scammed with fake tickets? How to get your money back

When British expat Marie (name changed to protect privacy) was buying tickets for a popular concert online, she had no idea that the website she was on was fake. She entered her card details, approved the OTP, and within a minute, Dh8,000 had vanished from her credit card.

“For the first few seconds, I was just stumped,” she said. “I could not believe it. I thought I was buying tickets directly from the venue’s website. However, on closer examination, I found that there was a small spelling difference in the name of the website. That is when I realised that I had been scammed. 

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The first thing Marie did was calling her bank’s call centre and blocking her card. “I remember being surprised that the customer service had the ‘need help with scam’ option pretty much first on the menu to choose from,” she said. “Clearly, it happens a lot.” 

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From fake websites that trick users into entering card details to micro frauds on social media, investment scams, and fake rental listings, UAE residents face multiple fraud risks. Police and authorities have repeatedly issued advisories to educate the public. Earlier today, Dubai Police warned residents against buying tickets for concerts, entertainment events, sporting activities and travel through unofficial channels.

Steps to take

Experts say there are several steps scam victims should take to minimise the impact. “Under UAE law, anyone who is subject to fraud must immediately report the incident to the competent authorities and document all evidence and documents related to the case,” said Salman Madkour, Senior Associate at BSA LAW. “The bank or relevant financial institution must also be notified without delay to stop any suspicious transactions, as swift action is a crucial factor in minimising losses and preserving legal rights.”

According to cybersecurity expert, such steps are also necessary in the event of unfortunate incidents such as phone loss. “People need to be aware of cyber risks, and always setup the right level of security by being careful when installing critical applications in devices,” said Bertil Brendeke, Consultant Sales Leader at Comet Backup LTD.

“They can use various systems like 2FA, MFA, facial recognition, and time delay features before activating accessibility changes. If a phone is stolen, people must immediately inform their bank, block all cards, and also let their employers know so that the system administrator can block their email access.” 

Recovery is possible

While prevention is key, recovery is still possible in some cases. Madkour pointed out that in accordance with Central Bank instructions, the bank is obligated to examine the complaint and take the necessary measures, with the importance of retaining all correspondence and documents.

“UAE law guarantees fraud victims the right to file a criminal complaint, seek the recovery of funds whenever possible, and claim compensation for material and moral damages,” he said. “They also have the right to pursue perpetrators through the courts and to benefit from the protections provided by financial and electronic legislation.”

For Marie, the next few months were spent in following up on the case. “I was persistent on all channels: police smart app as well as the bank,” she recalled. “I would get in touch with the call centre and go to the branch in person. Also, it was a blessing that I used my credit card and not my debit card.” 

She was eventually able to recover the money she lost after three months. “When the bank called me to inform, I actually started to cry,” she said. “I didn’t expect it, but my persistence paid off. I advise everyone to read the full OTP message carefully and check the amount mentioned instead of copying and pasting blindly. It’s also important to check website links closely for even minor spelling errors.”

Nasreen Abdulla

nasreen@khaleejtimes.com

Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.