Dubai: A Nepalese sales professional said he is a victim of a fraud that has left him facing credit card dues of around Dh28,800.
Suraj Gahatraj, 39, said he received a series of texts last September saying his Dubai First credit card was used five times to withdraw a total of Dh21,000 from an ATM of a bank in Sharjah. The amount has since increased to Dh28,800 because of interest and other charges, he added.
Gahatraj added that he also a received a text saying a cash transaction was denied because of the use of a wrong PIN, advising him to change his PIN. “I don’t know how that’s possible since I was on duty in Dubai at the time and had my card on me. My duty log and CCTV camera records can verify this fact,” he said.
Gahatraj added that he promptly notified Dubai First and filed a transaction dispute complaint.
“But months passed and nothing happened despite countless follow-ups and requests from my side. [Dubai First] representatives had initially told me there was no need for a police report as they were working to resolve the problem. But later they started asking me to pay even though I have never used my card for cash withdrawals. I’ve always paid my dues on time and never caused any problems.”
Gahatraj added that he eventually tried to file a police complaint in Dubai and Sharjah but was advised to approach the public prosecution which, in turn, referred him back to the police.
“In the end, nothing materialised out of it and I was shocked to learn a case was instead filed against me,” he said.
Gahatraj claims his guarantee cheque taken against the card was presented and it bounced, as a result of which his passport is being held by the police while the case goes to court.
“I’m innocent, I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m on the side of the truth,” added Gahatraj, who has been a UAE resident for around 10 years.
Dubai First said in a statement to Gulf News that they are aware of his case “which has been thoroughly investigated. Cash withdrawal through ATM with Dubai First credit cards can only happen if two conditions are met: Firstly, the credit card must be present and used at time of the withdrawal; and secondly, the transaction mandates use of cash withdrawal PIN known only to the customer. No cash withdrawal is possible without the physical credit card plastic or the PIN.”
The statement confirmed Gahatraj had filed a transaction dispute with Dubai First “which, after careful investigation, has been rejected. As per the Dubai First Credit Card Terms and Conditions, the outstanding amount remains liability of the customer.
“While we are aware that some banks allow cash withdrawal without the usage of the card plastic, this service is not available with Dubai First credit cards. Moreover, [Gahatraj] holds a credit card which is secured with CHIP and PIN.”
