Whether you are a businessman receiving cheques from a client or an individual getting them from companies or other people, a bounced cheque being issued is a common possibility.
The UAE decriminalised bounced cheques back in 2022, except those that have been issued in bad faith. This law enables banks to make partial payments by releasing any available funds in the bank account unless the holder disagrees.
Beneficiaries of the bounced cheque can either file a police report and finish the case through mutual consent or take the matter directly to the court if necessary. A criminal case can be filed only in cases of fraud.
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Some bounced cheque cases are still punishable by law. Mostly in the case of fraud, these can get fines ranging between Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.
For those looking to solve the matter through the police, here is how individuals can file a report for bounced cheques.
Eligibility
The service is easily available online on the authority’s website. To file a report, the beneficiaries must fulfil the following requirements.
- Individuals (citizens, those from GCC countries, residents, visitors), government entities (Local, Federal, Diplomatic) and companies and institutions can apply for this service.
- The cheque incident should have taken place in Dubai.
- Beneficiaries must visit the police station in the area of the incident.
- The merit period should not exceed five years.
- The reason behind the bounced cheque should not be expiry of the merit period.
Documents, information required
When filing a report, the Public Prosecution requires certain documents and information. These differ on the basis of individuals and companies.
Individuals (transaction owner):
- Image of bounced cheque
- Emirates ID copy
- Bank’s notice about the bounced cheque
Companies:
- Copy of bounced cheque
- Copy of trade licence
- Bank’s notice about the bounced cheque
- A complaint letter to issue the cheque report from the company directed to the police department in Arabic.
- A report must be issued by the manager of the company who is mentioned in the trade licence or by whoever is authorised legally.
In certain cases, additional documents might be required from those who are authorised legally. These are:
- Valid Email ID
- Image of the legal authority along with original documents
- Image of Emirates ID (recipient of the cheque)
While filing the report, it is crucial to add the following information:
- Emirates ID number
- Bounced cheque number
- The amount mentioned on the cheque
- The merit period of the cheque
- The recipient’s name
- The amount mentioned on the bounced cheque
Process details
The process is free of cost.
After submitting the form, applicants will receive a transaction number and receipt through their email.
Applicants can carry out the process through the following smart channels:
- Dubai Police website
- Dubai Police app
- Smart police stations