Man in UAE reveals OTP, loses thousands in fraud

Scammer steals funds after posing as bank employee

Last updated: November 17, 2025 | 11:32

1 MIN READ

The defendant claimed the customer’s bank card details needed updating

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The Abu Dhabi Civil Family and Administrative Court has ordered a man to repay Dh24,500 and pay a further Dh3,000 in compensation after he contacted another person, falsely claimed to be a bank employee, and tricked him into providing his PIN and OTP. The scammer then used the information to withdraw money from the victim’s account, Al Khaleej Arabic daily reported.

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According to case records, the victim filed a civil lawsuit demanding the return of the stolen amount, an additional Dh25,000 in material and moral damages, 5 per cent legal interest from the date of the claim, and coverage of legal fees and expenses.

The complainant said the defendant contacted him by phone, introduced himself as a bank staff member, and claimed the customer’s bank card details needed updating. After the victim shared the card information and security codes, the defendant fraudulently withdrew the funds. A criminal complaint was filed, and the defendant was previously convicted and fined Dh20,000, which the victim said caused him significant financial loss, legal costs of Dh10,000, and emotional harm.

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The court noted that the defendant had already been criminally convicted of possessing funds obtained from an unlawful source and fined Dh20,000, in addition to court fees, and the civil claim was supported by evidence.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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