Q: I had a deal with a transport company to buy a vehicle. I had given them post-dated cheques to hand over the vehicle to me. After that, neither they handed over the vehicle nor returned the cheques. I tried to contact them but all in vain. In the end, I had registered a case in Dubai Courts. The case was referred to AMICABLE Disputes Department. No one from that company came for the hearing. A guy in AMICABLE Department told me that they tried to contact the company on contact details e.g. mobile number, landline and fax & physical address provided on their trade license but could not have a contact. So I was told that the case will be referred back to Dubai Courts and I need to get a hearing date from the Judge. Yesterday I approached the bank and asked them if I can block the issued cheques and I was told that yes, it can be done. My question is that, will it be a wise step to block the cheques and continue the case in court? Kindly suggest. Thank You. Regards.

Q: I paid an advance to a seller for a used car. I was supposed to pay the rest of the money and get the car registered the next day. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I couldn't complete the deal and called it off within 24 hours. I requested for a refund of my advance amount, but the seller says he will not do that. I also found out later that he has not told the complete truth about how he got the ownership of the car. This also partially influenced by the decision to call off of the deal. We have not signed any contract saying that my advance money will not be refunded. I want to know whether I am legally entitled to the refund of my advance?

Q: Dear Sir, I have bought a car recently from one Egyptian through a bank loan from ADCB. The car value to apply for the loan was 24k, whereas we agreed mutually for the final car price as 21k only. The seller promissed me to return the balance amount (3k) upon receipt of the payment from the bank. Now, the seller has received the money but refused to pay me back. Hence, I want to take your advice if I can file a case against the seller or not. Looking forward to receive your reply soon. Regards, Najmuddin

Q: Hello, I purchased a second-hand car from a direct owner in Dubai. The owner claimed that there is no accident and only small paint in the car. I trusted him and purchased the car at the price he asked for. After driving the car, the car had a problem and I went to the mechanic. The mechanic informed me post-inspection that the car has been in a major accident and it has been fully repainted. When I went to an authorized dealer thereafter, they told me that the value of the car is 60,000 AED due to the damage. However, I purchased it for 115,000 AED. The car owner did fraud with me. It is not safe to drive the car now and it looks risky to drive. Could you please help me here if I can go to the court and claim my money from the owner? I would appreciate your assistance. Thanks!

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.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

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.