Introduction

Fraud crimes have become one of the most significant issues facing individuals and companies, especially with the expansion of electronic transactions and the emergence of professional methods aimed at luring victims and stealing their money. This article aims to clarify the legal framework for fraud crimes in the Kingdom, the prescribed penalties, and the legal mechanisms available to protect the victim and recover their rights.

First: The Concept of Fraud in the Saudi Legal System

Fraud is defined as the use of deceptive means to unlawfully obtain another person’s money. All forms of fraud—whether traditional or electronic—are considered punishable crimes under the Anti-Cybercrime Law and the Penal Law.

Second: The Most Common Fraud Methods

Modern fraud methods include:

  • Text messages impersonating official entities

  • Fake banking or government links

  • Fake online stores

  • Unlicensed investment offers

  • Misuse of customer data

  • Suspicious financial transfers

Third: Penalties for Fraud Crimes

The Saudi legal system imposes the following penalties for fraud crimes:

  • Imprisonment

  • Financial fines

  • Returning stolen amounts

  • Public defamation of the offender in some cases

Fourth: Steps the Victim Should Take When Exposed to Fraud

To ensure rights are protected, victims are advised to follow these steps:

  • File an immediate report through the police or official platforms

  • Collect evidence such as conversations, invoices, and transfer confirmations

  • Document all details of the incident accurately

  • Contact a specialized lawyer to file a compensation claim and recover the funds

Conclusion

Fraud crimes are sensitive issues that require prompt reporting, accurate evidence collection, and legal consultation to ensure rights are restored. Awareness of fraud methods and legal regulations is a key factor in preventing such practices.