The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) alerts the financial services community and the public to a scam in which the DFSA and another government organisation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been impersonated in fake documents.

The Fake Documents used by the scammers consist of:

• a “Fund Release Order/Title Form A”.  This document names an individual, with an address in Abuja Nigeria purportedly authorising the release of USD82,600,000;
• a “Tax Domicile Certificate For Individuals”; and
• several receipts purportedly from a UAE government organisation.

In an attempt to appear legitimate, the Fake Documents:

• contain the logos of the DFSA and the UAE government organisation;
• use the name “DUBAI FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY”;
• refer to the DFSA’s “Dubai Regional Office”;
• contain an incorrect DFSA office address and P O Box number; and
• contain a false Tax Domicile certification and stamp from the UAE government organisation.

The DFSA informs you that:

• the DFSA does not issue or certify the release of funds for firms or individuals;
• the DFSA does not have a “Dubai Regional Office”; and
• the DFSA’s logo, name and other details have been used without permission.

The DFSA strongly advises you not to respond to any communications regarding this scam, and under no circumstances should you send or give any money to any party connected to the scam.

The DFSA has a page on its website dedicated to alerts which is has issued about scams. All alerts issued by the DFSA may be accessed by going to: ALERTS

The DFSA has also issued warnings and guidance about the common types of scams perpetrated on consumers. For more information on these scams, please go to: HOW TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED

The DFSA encourages consumers to refer to the list of regulated Firms and Authorised Individuals licensed by the DFSA that is available on the DFSA's: PUBLIC REGISTER

If you have any concerns about the authenticity of any correspondence or documents that purport to be issued by the DIFC, DFSA or a DFSA-regulated Firm, you should direct your concerns to the DIFC on Tel: +971 4 362 2222 and to the DFSA via the DFSA Complaints function on: COMPLAINTS