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 sold my car and the buyer gave me a cheque. The cheque bounced because the account is closed. He is doing this as a regular business. I have already filed a complaint to the police station and I'm waiting for the judgment from the court. Maybe he will get the fine only. How can I get my money? Which case should I file: a civil case or a car buying fraud case? He may not have anything under his name. If a civil case is filed against him, he knows how to avoid this case .This person has more than 14 cases. Recently, he got out of jail. The issuer of the cheque is a local Emirati guy.

Q: I bought a car on Tuesday at 10 pm, I paid 11000 AED in cash and 17500 AED via bank transfer. At 6.40 am the next day, the car's engine failed within 10 mins of driving it. ADNOC car testing service in Mushrif said the car was misfiring. The garage had to replace 4 spark plugs & ignition coils. It costs 1500 AED. The car key doesn't work either. The seller assured me he would fix it, but he didn't. Electrical key shops said that the battery couldn't be replaced because it is soldered shut and it would damage the whole key and only a dealership can sort this. The dealership told me that it is not possible to change the battery on this key and I would need a replacement instead. This costs 1500 AED. I put the 17500 bank transfer on hold pending the outcome of these situations. I contacted the seller to renegotiate the deal and he threatened me over the phone instead. What are my legal rights here? Should I file a civil case immediately or attempt to resolve the case with the seller directly?

Q: Good morning, Last 9 June, I bought a 2nd-hand car. Then, after a few weeks, the fuel tank had a major leak. So I had to rush it to an independent garage for repair. A few more weeks passed, the Check Engine and Transmission warning light keeps on turning on, so I had to rush it back again to a garage. This time I went to the Ford Al Tayer service center. They found out that the car has a lot of issues, and they gave me a quotation that amounts to almost AED 24,000. What are my consumer rights regarding this problem? Can I still have my money back? What actions should I do? Thank you for your assistance and help in advance!

Q: Hi, I bought a car yesterday. The seller advertised a car for 140k, running 73000 km. We bought it and later when I check VIN, it turned out to be a USA auction and a 256000 km driven car. Before the deal when I asked him for VIN, he gave me wrong VIN. Evidence is on WhatsApp chat of the wrong VIN given by him. When I asked him to give me the money, he said that he will return only 100000. Can we file a case and win?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I bought a car from a dealer in Dubai for AED 64,000. After taking delivery, I learned that the car was flooded. At the time of purchase, the dealer assured me that the car was 100% free from flooding and major accidents. What should I do now? Is it possible to get my money back?

An interview-format article covering the topic of bounced cheque scams in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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 applies to merchants, as well as to all acts of commerce carried out in the UAE by any person even though he be not a trader. Commercial matters regarding which specific Federal laws are issued shall be subject to the provisions of such laws, and to the provisions hereof which do not contradict with said laws.

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.

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.

The provisions of this law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.

The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.