Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

A man has been ordered by an Abu Dhabi court to return Dh78,000 to a young woman he duped with the promise of a dream job in the UAE capital. The victim, a resident of the Al Dhafra region, was lured into transferring the money under false pretenses of securing a prestigious role with an attractive salary package. The ordeal began when the woman responded to a job advertisement on a reputable website. The advertisement, which appeared legitimate, promised lucrative positions in a high-profile program. Upon contacting the supposed recruiter, the man requested money repeatedly, claiming it was required for employment processing and investments tied to the role. After transferring a total of Dh78,000, the woman realized she had been scammed. The promised job never materialized, and the man ceased all communication. Distraught, she approached the Al Dhafra Court of First Instance to file a lawsuit against the fraudster. The court’s ruling came as a relief for the victim. It declared that the man had used deceptive tactics to steal the money, falsely presenting himself as a recruitment agent. The judge ordered him to repay the full amount of Dh78,000 along with legal expenses and an annual interest rate of 12 percent, effective from the date the claim was filed. “The defendant’s actions were not only fraudulent but a gross violation of trust,” the court stated in its ruling. “Such behavior undermines the integrity of the job market and preys on individuals seeking to improve their livelihoods.” In addition to financial restitution, the court emphasized the importance of raising awareness about online job scams. Authorities have reiterated the need for job seekers to verify the authenticity of job offers and recruiters, especially when money is requested in advance. A legal consultant familiar with the matter noted that while many websites attempt to vet advertisers, fraudsters often find ways to exploit loopholes. “We urge individuals to report suspicious activities and avoid transferring funds without thorough verification,” he said. Jobseekers are urged to exercise vigilance when responding to online job advertisements. They recommend verifying the recruiter’s credentials through official channels and consulting with legal professionals if uncertainties arise. ICA/Expat Media
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