Legal PROTECTION from SCAMS
In the UAE, several laws and regulations have been established to combat scams and fraud, providing a legal framework for the protection of individuals and businesses. These laws cover a wide range of fraudulent activities, including cybercrimes, commercial fraud, and more specific offences such as electronic payment fraud and handling confidential government data.
Cybercrimes Law
The UAE Cybercrimes Law, Federal Decreelaw No. 34 of 2021, which came into effect on 2nd January 2022, replaces the previous law on combatting cybercrimes. It introduces strict penalties for various cyber-related offences, including the publication, storage, or making available illegal content online. Penalties can range from a minimum fine of Dhs300,000 to a maximum of Dhs10 million. The law defines illegal content broadly, encompassing anything that might undermine the security, sovereignty, or interests of the state, affect election results, incite hatred, or diminish public trust in state authorities.
Penal Code on fraud
Fraud is specifically addressed under Article 399 of the UAE Penal Code, part of Federal Law No.
3 of 1987 and its amendments. This article covers wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. It includes using a false name or identity to deceive victims into handing over money, property, or any valuable object. The UAE law requires the deceit to lead to an actual wrongful gain and specifies penalties including imprisonment and fines, demonstrating the seriousness with which fraud is treated.
Commercial Anti-fraud Law
The UAE has also enacted Federal Law Number 19 of 2016, known as the Commercial Anti-fraud Law, to combat commercial fraud more broadly. This law targets a wide range of fraudulent activities including the manufacture, sale, or possession of counterfeit goods, misleading advertisements, and the promotion of fraudulent services. The provisions of this law apply throughout the UAE, including free zones, ensuring comprehensive coverage against commercial fraud activities.
Punishments for breaching e-payment
The UAE Cybercrimes Law specifies penalties for electronic payment fraud, such as forging or copying credit cards or e-payment methods. Offenders can face imprisonment and fines up to Dhs2 million, highlighting the stringent measures against electronic payment fraud.
Reporting mechanisms
The UAE provides various channels for reporting cybercrimes and fraud, including police stations and specialized online platforms. The federal public prosecution runs an application, “My Safe Society”, for reporting cybercrimes and any suspicious activities on social networking sites that could threaten national security or public order.