Scam in United Arab EmiratesShopping
VAT added to an already quoted price in United Arab Emirates
How it works
A shopkeeper quotes or displays a price, then increases it at payment by saying VAT must be added. The displayed price should be the price charged at the till.
Warning signs
- The till price is higher than the displayed price.
- The seller adds VAT after agreeing on a price.
How to avoid it
- Confirm the final total before paying.
- Check the receipt against the displayed or agreed price.
- Question any last-minute VAT addition.
- Decline the purchase if the seller will not honour the stated price.
If it happens to you
- Move to a safe place. Avoid an argument or confrontation.
- Stop further payments and contact. Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money for a fee.
- If a card or account is affected, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Ask about blocking access and disputing payments.
- Save receipts, messages, screenshots, payment records and any vehicle details. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report fraud or theft to the police. In Dubai, call 999 if you need police attention.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2019VAT q&a: 'Can a restaurant add VAT at checkout?'A Dubai customer reports a restaurant adding VAT at payment despite its website stating that advertised prices already included VAT.Read on News
- Redditr/dubai2024VAT 5% not includedA customer reports a Dubai café adding VAT to the bill on top of the prices displayed in its menu.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the vAT added to an already quoted price scam in United Arab Emirates?
A shopkeeper quotes or displays a price, then increases it at payment by saying VAT must be added. The displayed price should be the price charged at the till.
How can I spot it early?
The till price is higher than the displayed price. The seller adds VAT after agreeing on a price.
How do I avoid vAT added to an already quoted price in United Arab Emirates?
Confirm the final total before paying. Check the receipt against the displayed or agreed price. Question any last-minute VAT addition. Decline the purchase if the seller will not honour the stated price.
Where in United Arab Emirates does this happen?
Shops It has been reported in Abu Dhabi.
How much can it cost me?
An extra 5% claimed as VAT.
How common is this scam in United Arab Emirates?
Occasional. The United Arab Emirates has low crime overall, and the scams described here are mainly shopping pressure, taxi overcharging and phone fraud. Watch for missing change, extra VAT added to a quoted price, off-meter taxi fares and unexpected calls promising money or claiming legal trouble.
Are there similar scams in United Arab Emirates?
Yes: pressure to buy in shops, high opening prices in souks, short-changing cash customers.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report fraud or theft and provide any evidence you saved. In Dubai, call 999 if you need police attention. Bank or card issuer: use its official app or the contact number on your card to report unauthorised payments, block a card or ask about a dispute. Taxi booking service: if you booked through an app, report the fare problem through that booking and keep the trip record. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or replacement travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Arab Emirates?
Police attention in Dubai: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck