An elderly customer’s life savings wiped out

Our readers have their say on scams, Iraq child marriages and Abu Dhabi’s AI ambitions

The National

I am writing this on behalf of my dad, who is an 80-year-old UAE resident. I want to tell The National’s readers about fraudulent activity through his bank and the need for us all to be alert.

Dad holds an account with a bank in the UAE. In November 2023, he was a victim of fraud through his debit card, which was debited for four transactions within two minutes. His life savings disappeared. He raised a complaint immediately and the bank confirmed they were placing these transactions on hold and would not process the amount for 60 days.

If the merchant did not claim the amount within that time, the bank said the funds would be credited back to dad’s account. But after 65 days, the bank transferred the money to the merchant, mentioning that the sum had been claimed.

We have been following up with this bank ever since. I have reached out to the police, thanks to whom I was able to access online services to lodge a complaint, but it requires regular follow-up. I am not in the UAE and cannot expect my father to run around at his age.

I think there are many more victims who have faced similar issues with no resolution. All we ask is to get his savings back from the bank.

Vineet Gajria, via email

Abu Dhabi's AI-native ambitions

With reference to the Alkesh Sharma's report Abu Dhabi aims to become world’s first fully AI-native government (January 21): This ambitious initiative is commendable and demonstrates the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to technology.

Looking at the history of the UAE, it is amazing to think how desert land was transformed into a thriving, prosperous nation through the long-term vision of its leaders. The UAE has a history of turning bold ideas into reality, and the establishment of the world’s first AI government seems to be the next logical step in this journey. I am confident that they will achieve success in their goal to create the world’s first AI-powered government.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Iraq permits child marriage

With regard to Sinan Mahmoud's report Iraq revises law to allow girls to be married at 15 (January 21): At one point Iraq was one of the most progressive countries in the Arab world, with a highly educated population. But now, instead of progressing, laws such as these could take the country in the wrong direction.

Yasmin A, Abu Dhabi