Sharjah Public Prosecution has issued a critical warning to UAE residents regarding the risks of renting out bank accounts, sharing ATM cards, PINs, or providing mobile banking access to third parties.
- Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Ali stated that allowing others to use an account or receiving and transferring funds for a commission is a serious crime.
- Criminals use digital banking, social media, and fake companies to conceal illegal money.
- New residents are increasingly being targeted by scammers offering easy income.
- The Central Bank of the UAE 2026 thematic review identified money mule activities as a significant financial crime risk.
Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Ali, Head of Prosecution and Assistant Prosecutor at the Sharjah Public Prosecution, stated on the Sharjah TV program 'Qadiya Lil Hiwar' that allowing others to use an account—or receiving and transferring funds on behalf of others for a commission—is not a simple favor. If illicit funds pass through these accounts,
the registered holder faces potential criminal investigation for money laundering. Authorities noted that criminals frequently use digital banking, social media, forged invoices, and fake companies to conceal the origins of illegal money.
New residents, including those who have recently obtained residency permits, started new jobs, or opened new accounts, are increasingly being targeted. Scammers often use pretexts such as a lack of personal banking access or offer 'easy income' and 'commissions' to lure victims into providing account credentials. Some individuals have even opened multiple accounts to hand over access to criminal networks, facilitating the layering and transfer of fraudulent proceeds. Dr. Al Ali clarified that 'bank account renting' is not recognized under UAE law. Account holders bear full personal responsibility for transactions, regardless of whether they performed them personally. While legitimate Power of Attorney exists for authorized representatives, such arrangements must follow formal bank-approved documentation. In contrast, unofficial sharing of passwords, OTPs, and bank apps lacks oversight and enables criminal activity.
Supporting this, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) 2026 thematic review identified 'money mule' activities as a significant financial crime risk. Red flags include sudden spikes in incoming transfers followed by immediate withdrawals or onward transfers, and account usage inconsistent with the customer's profile. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025,
individuals can be prosecuted if they possess, transfer, or convert illicit proceeds while knowing or reasonably suspecting they are linked to criminal activity. This warning is particularly urgent for South Asian workers—including Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Sri Lankans, and Filipinos—who may be approached via WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or job groups. The prosecution advises that residents must never share their credentials, including SIM access or chequebooks. Those who have already shared access are
urged to immediately contact their bank to reset credentials, block cards, and report suspicious activity to police authorities. Business owners are also cautioned against allowing third parties to use their trade licenses or company accounts for unofficial transactions, as they risk facing account freezes, financial liabilities, and criminal proceedings.
