Dubai Fraudsters Exposed by ChatGPT Mistake in Multi-Million Dirham Scam

In a modern twist on a classic scam, fraudsters operating a fake trading company in Bur Dubai may have sealed their own fate through a critical error: using ChatGPT to polish a fraudulent email. The AI-generated message contained a digital footprint that investigators believe could expose the criminals behind a sophisticated supply chain fraud.

The case involves a company posing as a legitimate foodstuff trader that allegedly procured large volumes of goods from suppliers using post-dated cheques and fake payment advices, only to disappear before the transactions could clear.

The ChatGPT Slip That Could Crack the Case

The investigation's breakthrough came from an email sent by someone identifying herself as "Ayesha," who claimed to work in sales for the fraudulent company. To make her message appear more professional, she used ChatGPT to refine the text before sending it to a supplier.

This decision backfired spectacularly. The AI-enhanced email contained a traceable username and timestamp that investigators are now using to identify the real person behind the alias. The email began with the telling phrase: "Certainly, [a different name], here's a more formal and polished version of the confirmation reply."

What appeared to be a routine confirmation message—acknowledging receipt of correspondence and acceptance of terms—became a digital smoking gun that may unravel the entire operation.

Victims and Financial Impact

Several Dubai-based suppliers have fallen victim to this scheme:

• Sathya Mohan Trading LLC lost 10 tonnes of red chilli powder worth Dh293,000 after receiving a fake cheque
• An Al Ras trader lost Dh70,000 worth of peanuts under identical circumstances
• Another supplier was defrauded of Dh18,900 in a green tea deal

In each case, the pattern was identical: the company would place orders, provide post-dated cheques as payment, then vanish—closing offices and disconnecting phone lines before the cheques could be presented for clearance.

A Familiar Modus Operandi in Dubai

This isn't an isolated incident. Khaleej Times previously reported on a similar Dubai company that orchestrated a multi-million dirham fraud, leaving unpaid dues exceeding Dh25 million across multiple sectors including food and electronics before disappearing from its Deira offices.

The scam follows a predictable pattern:

• Establish a credible-looking trading company
• Place substantial orders with suppliers
• Provide post-dated cheques as payment
• Disappear before cheques can clear
• Shut down operations and cut communication

Why This AI Mistake Matters for Future Investigations

This case represents a landmark moment in digital forensics, demonstrating how the misuse of AI tools can create unexpected vulnerabilities for criminals. The ChatGPT-generated email left behind crucial metadata that wouldn't exist in a conventionally written message.

"For investigators, this AI slip is a gift," noted one source close to the case. "The digital breadcrumbs embedded in that polished email could provide the breakthrough needed to identify the real perpetrators."

Protection Tips for Dubai Businesses

This incident highlights important precautions for companies dealing with new trading partners:

• Conduct thorough due diligence on new business partners
• Verify company credentials through official channels
• Be cautious of post-dated cheques from unknown entities
• Implement multi-layer payment verification for large transactions
• Monitor digital communications for inconsistencies

The case also signals a new frontier in forensic investigations, where AI-generated content—once seen as a tool for anonymity—may become a source of crucial evidence.

As Dubai authorities continue their investigation, the business community watches closely, hoping this digital clue will lead to accountability and serve as a warning to would-be fraudsters that even AI assistance can't guarantee perfect crime.