A transfer to a fake online shop, a partner who disappeared with the money, an “investment” with guaranteed returns, or a link that emptied your bank account. Or the other side: being accused of fraud over what was really a business dispute. Usus Law Firm’s Riyadh office in Al Olaya handles fraud and breach-of-trust cases for both victims and the accused, before the Public Prosecution and the Criminal Court in Riyadh. These offences are governed by the Anti-Financial Fraud and Breach of Trust Law; see fraud penalty in Saudi Arabia and how to recover your money.

Scammed, or accused of fraud?

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Quick answer

Usus Law Firm's Riyadh office (Al Olaya) handles fraud and breach-of-trust cases in English and Arabic: for victims, the report, following the investigation and claiming the money back with compensation; for the accused, defence from investigation to judgment before the Criminal Court in Riyadh. The first consultation is free.

  • If you sent money to a fraudster, call your bank at once, then report through Kollona Amn.
  • Never pay a "recovery fee" to anyone promising to get your money back.
  • Phone and WhatsApp: +966 53 034 9349.

Last updated:

If you were scammed: the first 24 hours

  1. Call your bank at once, report the transaction and ask for it to be stopped or recalled. The sooner you act, the better the chance of reaching the money before it is moved.
  2. Keep everything: the transfer receipt and the IBAN you paid, chats, phone numbers, links to the accounts and adverts, before the fraudster deletes them.
  3. File a report through the Kollona Amn app or at a police station.
  4. Never pay a “recovery fee” to anyone who calls promising to get your money back. That is a second, very common scam.
  5. Speak to a lawyer to follow the report and claim your private right: return of the money and compensation.

What a fraud lawyer does for the victim

  • Drafts the report and describes the facts correctly in legal terms; the wrong description can turn the case into a slow civil dispute.
  • Follows the case with the investigating authority, submits your evidence and asks for the measures needed to preserve the funds.
  • Claims the private right (return of the amount and compensation) before the Criminal Court, or in a separate claim where that is better.
  • Follows enforcement of the judgment.

If you are accused of fraud

  • Do not give a statement before you understand the charge exactly. You have the right to a lawyer during investigation; see Saudi Criminal Procedure Law.
  • Many cases are a dispute over a contract or a debt, not a crime. The line between fraud and a civil dispute is often the heart of the defence.
  • Settlement and repayment affect the private right; the public right may remain. Read waiving the private right before any agreement.
  • If you are detained, there are time limits and release requests: detention period in Saudi Arabia.

Fraud or a civil dispute?

Situation Usually closer to Why
Money taken through a lie, a fake identity or a fake organisation Fraud The money was handed over because of the deception itself
Money received to invest or hold, then denied or spent Possible breach of trust You handed it over willingly, then the recipient betrayed the trust
A proven debt under a contract or note that was not paid Civil dispute or enforcement There was no deception when contracting
A bounced cheque Cheque offence and enforcement See bounced cheques

The final legal description is for the investigating authority and the court; the table is only a guide.

Common forms of fraud in Saudi Arabia

  • Fake online shops and adverts.
  • Impersonating a bank or government body to get a verification code.
  • Investment and crypto schemes with “guaranteed” profits.
  • Fake visas, recruitment and job offers.
  • Selling property or a car the seller does not own, or selling it to more than one buyer.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Will I get my money back if the fraudster is caught?

The court usually orders the amount returned as part of the private right, and the judgment is then enforced against the convicted person’s assets. Nobody can guarantee full recovery, but a fast report and preserved evidence raise the chances a great deal.

What is the penalty for fraud in Saudi Arabia?

The Anti-Financial Fraud and Breach of Trust Law sets imprisonment and fines, with heavier penalties in certain cases. Details are in our fraud article; check the current official text.

How long does a fraud report take?

It depends on the evidence and how easily the accused and the funds can be traced. A clear, documented report saves a lot of time.

Can a fraud case be settled?

Settlement and repayment usually end the private right; the public right is for the Prosecution and the court. Do not sign a waiver before you receive your money or understand its effect.

I am accused of fraud over a business disagreement. What should I do?

Gather the contracts and correspondence showing the relationship was contractual, and do not attend investigation without understanding the charge. Contact a lawyer before the first session.

Our Riyadh office

Al Olaya district, at the intersection of Khurais Road and Olaya Street, Building 3061, first floor, office 8 (next to Al Alsun International School), Riyadh 12611.

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9 am to 1 pm and 6 to 9 pm; Saturday 6 to 9 pm. Phone and WhatsApp: +966 53 034 9349

The first consultation is free, in person at the office or remotely by phone or video call. We advise in English and Arabic. All the services of the office are on Lawyer in Riyadh.

This page is general information and is not a substitute for advice on your case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official, current Arabic text of each law prevails.