Emirati citizenship is linked to so much admiration and affluence. However, a number of fraudsters are using this reputation to con people out of their cash.
In a bizarre case in Dubai, a 45-year-old man pretended to be an Emirati, used a false identity, and promised a woman of marriage.
They only met through a dating website and never met in person. Little did she know that the man was only trying to dupe her for money.
In several instances, the suspect asked money from the victim and the last one was a staggering AED235,000.
According to court records, their relationship grew stronger through the years to the point of exchanging private photos and videos. Then he proposed to her in April 2019. But everything was built on deception.
Often the suspect would ask money from the victim, telling her that they can only continue the marriage if he would be able to resolve his financial problems first. He also told the woman that he would like to furnish their marital house in preparation for their happy life together.
In those instances, the woman readily supported the man financially.
However, the demands of this man went on for months. When she could no longer lend him any money, he tried to blackmail her about the private pictures and videos that she sent him. He also verbally abused her in voice notes on WhatsApp.
The victim, according to court records, said she found out that the man was using a fake identity. It was not clear how she uncovered it.
“He gave me a false name then, claiming to be an Emirati. He proposed to me in April last year. With time, our relation got stronger and we exchanged mobile numbers after he gained my trust. He would ask me for money on different occasions and I would help him. I issued many checks to him for rent and other matters.”
The case dates back to August 28 last year, according to Khaleej Times report. The complaint was filed at Al Barsha police station.
The woman presented her cell phone to the investigator for the WhatsApp conversations they had. It showed that the defendant was repeatedly asking to borrow money from the complainant, which contradicts his claims that she owed him Dh50,000.
The trial has been adjourned to October 13.
