Money taken from your card after shopping online? What to do in the first 30 minutes, and where to report it in the UAE

In October, Dubai Police arrested six people accused of running a fake online shopping website. When victims entered their card details to buy something, the gang used them to make unauthorised purchases and move money into digital wallets, and sold some of the card details to other fraudsters. One resident reportedly lost years of savings.

Under the news, one reader asked the most practical question: "Where can I report a fraud?" Here's the answer, plus how to avoid it happening at all.

The first 30 minutes: what to do if you see an unknown deduction

1. Block your card. Call your bank's hotline immediately, or freeze the card in your banking app. Every minute counts. Fraudsters move money fast.

2. Change your passwords. Start with banking and email. Also change any password you reused on the shop you bought from.

3. Report it to the police. In Dubai, you can report:

• through the eCrime service on the Dubai Police app or website, without visiting a station
• by calling 901, Dubai Police's non-emergency line
• through Police Eye, the service for cybercrime

In other emirates, use the local police app or station, such as the Abu Dhabi Police app.

4. Keep the evidence: screenshots of the website, the order confirmation, SMS alerts from your bank, and bank statements. Police and your bank will both ask for them.

5. Ask your bank to dispute the transactions. Ask about a chargeback on unauthorised card payments, and get a reference number.

Fast reporting matters. Dubai Police say quick action can help recover stolen funds and limit losses.

How to spot a fake shopping website

Be suspicious when:

• The price is far too good. Big-brand goods at 70–90% off are the classic bait.
• You found it through an ad on social media, not by typing in the shop's address yourself.
• The web address is slightly wrong, such as an extra word or letter, or an odd ending instead of the shop's real address.
• There's no real contact information: no physical address, only a chat or WhatsApp number.
• It asks for your OTP outside the normal bank payment screen. Your bank will never ask you to share an OTP.
• It pressures you with countdown timers or "only 2 left".

When in doubt, buy from a shop you already know, through its official app, or pay cash on delivery.

Protect your card before anything happens

• Turn on SMS or app alerts for every transaction, so you notice fraud immediately.
• Use a separate card with a low limit for online shopping.
• Never save your card details on a website you've only used once.

If you're sending money home, keep your remittance account and your online-shopping card separate. That way, one stolen card can't touch your padala savings.

This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Government rules and rates change; confirm current figures with the official agency before acting.