Q: Hi, I obtained a degree from a US-based university based on experience 10 years ago, however, I noticed after receiving it that it was fake, so I didn't process any attestation or submission to any of the authorities in the UAE. I received a call from the US embassy 3 weeks ago inquiring about it and that the said university has legal cases already, so they put me in contact with the so-called United States higher learning education. They mentioned that they will need to get NOC's to remove my name from the US system that I have a degree and they asked me to wire transfer of $2500. Also, I received a call from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it was an Arabic lady stating that I need to finish this issue with them otherwise it will be sent to the UAE Justice Department. Hope to receive advice.

Q: Respected Sir / Madam, On Mar 2014, my manager was in the process of transferring my visa to the main company. On his personal guarantee and assurance, he asked me to sign the receipt of AED 34,894/- towards my full and final settlement for the period I worked from August 2007 to March 2014. Nevertheless, he never made any payment and just assured that he'll pay the same later, saying that the company used my dues for company urgent expenses. Also between April 2014 to December 2014, and on many occasions, he requested on his personal guarantee and assurance to use my credit card for company official payments. The amount outstanding is AED 13,337/-. When I started to follow up on my dues, he simply kept dragging and assuring the payment. I begged him many times to clear my dues but he never made any attempt to pay my dues. He conned, lied and cheated me with my hard earned money, along with the employer. The company is closed now and we both are working in different companies. Please advise regarding the legal options to get my dues from him. Regards, Vinod

Q: How can I check if an employment offer is genuine or scam? I received a job offer from AL - SALAMA HOSPITAL through their Mr Ahmed Hassan (Recruitment Manager), and in the offer, he mentioned that I should contact an agency for Work Permit Visa. When I contacted them they asked to transfer $1,500. Is that legal?

Q: Hi, Someone opened a home internet connection in my name using my documents in a place I have never stayed in, in November 2018. In September 2019, the Du recovery team contacted me to settle the unpaid amount of AED 1499. I went to Du's office and registered a complaint. The contract they provided is not signed by me, nor the phone number or email address mentioned on the contract is mine. I registered a complaint with TDRA and they provided me with all papers. With these papers, I registered a case with SPS, and later the case was registered in Bur Dubai police station. I got the case number and sent it to Du. Since then things have not moved forward. Du recovery keeps calling me. What should be done? I do not wish to have any travel ban.

The UAE Penal Code, like all other laws, addresses the crime of fraud in Article 399 of the UAE Federal Penal Code, which stipulates that whoever seizes, for himself or another, a movable property, or obtains a document or signature thereon, cancellation or destruction thereof or amendment thereto by fraudulent means, or by assuming a false name or capacity, where such an act leads to deception of a victim and leads him to surrender shall be punished by imprisonment or fine.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.