Faisal Al Zarouni, a Dubai-based lawyer, says Article 13 of the UAE cybercrime law states the punishment of credit-card fraud in the Emirates can range from one month to three years imprisonment and a fine of between Dh500,000 and Dh2 million. “If you have been a victim of credit-card fraud, call the bank to cancel the card due to unauthorised use,” he says.
“Afterwards, file a report with the police. Then contact your bank once again to cancel the fraudulent transactions. The bank is required to provide security to credit cards they issue. When credit-card fraud happens, it’s as if the bank was physically robbed, and you as a client have the right to retrieve your money from the bank.
"If the bank refuses to cancel any of the fraudulent transactions, it will be a reason to pursue a claim against the bank in the civil court. If the perpetrator of the fraud is known, the victim may be able to seek compensation from the defendant during the criminal case.”
Steps to take if you fall victim to card fraud
1. Contact your credit-card company or bank.
2. Change your online passwords.
3. Contact the credit bureaus.
4. File a police report.
5. Check your credit card and bank statements frequently.
6. Go back to your statements and check if this has happened before (in case you missed it).
7. In case you have used your credit card for standing instructions for monthly payments, update your records with the new/replaced card to avoid becoming overdue.
