What is the procedure for filing a bounced cheques case in the UAE?

How can you raise the issue with UAE authorities if you have been issued a cheque which has not been honored by the bank?

In the UAE, issuing a check with insufficient funds is a criminal and civil law violation. If a cheque is bounced, a person can file both criminal and civil charges. A criminal case is only filed to impose a criminal penalty (ranging from fine to imprisonment), whereas a civil case is filed to seek the amount of the cheque plus compensation, interests, and other precautionary measures, such as a travel ban.

Those in need of assistance can file a ‘financial report’ with the UAE Ministry of Interior, either in person at one of its happiness centers or online through the ‘MOI UAE’ app, which is available for Apple and Android phones.

Applying for a bounced cheque at an MOI happiness service center

At any of the MOI customer happiness centers, you can request a financial report. You will need to provide certain documents to file a complaint.

Documents required

Here are the documents you will need to submit:

• Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• The applicant must submit a letter, duly stamped, explaining why the bank cannot honor the cheque
• Original cheque

Apply through the MOI UAE app

You can file a complaint using the Ministry’s app by following these steps:

• To submit a Financial incident request, select the service icon in the police services category – Smart police station services.
• There will be a list of previous incidents. Click on the ADD icon to submit a new request.
• Accept service terms and conditions to be able to access the service.
• Move the pin on the map to locate the incident location, then click the next button.
• You can write, record a voice, record a video, or take a picture in order to submit your report.
• Enter incident details, attach any evidence you may have, and then click the “Submit” button.

You can track your application’s progress through the Ministry of Interior app after receiving your application number.

Applying through the MOI website

1. The MOI website is www.moi.gov.ae. Select the ‘Service Catalogue’ and then the ‘Crime Security’ category on the e-services list.
2. Make sure that the ‘File Financial Reports (non-sufficient funds/bounced checks)’ service is selected.
3. Complete the form with your personal data and report details.
4. Mark the location of the incident.
5. Add the attachments related to the incidents. At least one copy of the cheque must be attached.
6. Check that the original or a photocopy of the cheque is attached and click ‘Submit’.

You will receive updates from the Ministry about your application once you receive the tracking ID. To follow up on your case, you can also call 800 5000 or send an email to smart@moi.gov.ae