The Abu Dhabi Civil Court has ordered a man to repay Dh11,000 to a woman he defrauded through a fake Instagram gold shop. The ruling follows an earlier criminal court conviction in which the fraudster was fined Dh20,000 for deceiving the victim under false pretenses.
According to case details, the man created a fraudulent Instagram page, posing as the owner of a gold and jewelry business based in Abu Dhabi. He uploaded images of gold ornaments, bracelets, and necklaces, giving the appearance of a professional online shop. The woman, believing the account was legitimate, contacted him to purchase a jewelry item she saw on his profile. After selecting the product, she transferred Dh11,000 to the account number he provided.
However, once the payment was made, the fraudster failed to deliver the item and cut off all contact. The victim tried repeatedly to reach him, but her efforts were unsuccessful. Realizing she had been scammed, she reported the matter to the authorities, leading to an official investigation and his eventual arrest.
The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court later found the man guilty of online fraud, sentencing him to pay a Dh20,000 fine. Following that decision, the victim filed a civil lawsuit demanding the return of her money. The Abu Dhabi Civil Court upheld her claim, ruling that she was entitled to receive a refund of the full amount she had transferred.
In its judgment, the court stressed that individuals who misuse social media platforms for fraudulent activities must face both criminal and civil consequences. The ruling reinforces the commitment of Abu Dhabi authorities to protect residents from online scams and uphold justice for victims of cybercrime.
Officials have also urged the public to exercise caution when shopping online or dealing with social media sellers. Residents are advised to verify the authenticity of accounts, avoid direct money transfers, and rely only on trusted and licensed platforms when purchasing valuables like gold or jewellery.
The case stands as a strong reminder that Abu Dhabi’s legal system remains firm against digital deception and continues to ensure that victims of online fraud receive full financial restitution and justice.
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