How to check a company in Dubai and avoid fraud when buying a car

Check the company and its credentials

Ask for the full legal name, registration details, trade license, address and contact information. The data in the contract, invoice and bank details should be logically consistent with each other.

One photo of a license does not replace a proper check. Clarify the license validity period, the type of activity and the identity of the representative handling the transaction.

• name and registration details
• valid license and address
• official contacts and representative
• matching information in the contract and the invoice

Check the car independently

Before payment, obtain the VIN, photos of the documents and consent for an independent inspection. The VIN is used to check the available history, specifications and the matching of markings.

Request a live video call from the lot: the representative shows the car, the VIN and the surroundings in real time. A recorded video is useful, but does not prove the car is still available or owned by the seller.

Contract, invoice and payment purpose

Documents should record the vehicle or service, the amount, currency, payment stages, liabilities, refund procedure and the list of documents to be transferred. Do not transfer money to details that appeared at the last minute without new confirmation.

A bank transfer must have a clear payment purpose. If payment in USDT is agreed, the terms, network, wallet address, rate, fees and confirmation of receipt must be fixed before transfer; such payment does not cancel the contract, invoice or legal requirements.

Warning signs

Pressure to act quickly, a price significantly below market, refusal to show the VIN, a request to pay an unknown private individual and frequent changes of payment details are dangerous. A separate risk is a promise of guaranteed customs clearance at an undervalued cost.

A legitimate company calmly explains the structure of the transaction and allows checks. If a specific question is answered only with general promises, suspend the payment.

• no contract or it names a different company
• refusal of video calls and independent inspection
• payment to unrelated personal accounts
• promise of an unrealistic price or timeframe
• request to conceal the real price

What confirmations the client receives

At every stage there should be documents: the agreed request, the inspection report, the contract or invoice, payment confirmation, purchase documents, export and transport papers.

Before payment, request the contracting party’s details, a written scope of work, the inspection report and an itemised estimate. Check the payment details against the agreed documents.

What to do if you have doubts

Do not send a test transfer or hand over documents until discrepancies are explained in writing. Verify payment details via the previously confirmed channel, and for a large transaction engage an independent lawyer or compliance specialist.

It is better to refuse an attractive offer than to rush. Another car will appear on the market, while recovering money after fraud can be difficult or impossible.