Fraud & Scam Protection in Qatar: Laws, Prevention Tips and Reporting Guide

Government Agencies Responsible for Anti-Fraud Protection

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI)
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry serves as the primary government entity protecting consumers in Qatar through its Consumer Protection and Combating Commercial Fraud Department. This department operates five key divisions:

• Combating Commercial Fraud Section: Implements fraud prevention legislation, monitors service quality, receives consumer complaints, verifies legal warranties, and conducts business inspections.
• Services Control Section: Oversees service delivery standards and ensures compliance with quality regulations.
• Consumer Awareness Section: Promotes consumer education through awareness campaigns, public events, and communication initiatives about illegal consumer activities.
• Faulty and Harmful Products Section: Investigates claims of defective products, removes harmful goods from markets, and facilitates product recalls and replacements.
• Consumer Affairs Research Section: Conducts research through surveys and opinion polls, publishes consumer-related findings, and provides recommendations for increasing consumer satisfaction.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
The Criminal Investigation Department of the Ministry of Interior is responsible for investigating all fraud and cybercrime cases. Citizens and residents can report suspected fraud directly to the CID:

• Phone: +974 6681 5757
• Email: cccc@moi.gov.qa
• Metrash2 Application: Digital reporting through Qatar's official mobile application

Qatar Central Bank (QCB)
The Qatar Central Bank regulates financial institutions, sets policies on cash transaction limits to prevent money laundering, and oversees financial fraud prevention. The QCB has implemented regulations requiring transactions exceeding QAR 50,000 to be conducted through electronic means rather than cash.

National Financial Crime Centre
Located at Building 11, 8th Floor, the National Financial Crime Centre monitors suspicious financial transactions and coordinates anti-money laundering efforts. Financial institutions are legally obligated to report suspicious transactions to this center.