Abu Dhabi: Two men and a woman have been held for allegedly using fake Dh100 bills to pay for meals they ordered from restaurants and receiving change in cash in Al Ain, the Abu Dhabi Police revealed on Thursday.
The trio reportedly carried out their scams using home delivery services and are now being prosecuted.
Several complaints were made to the police by victims, prompting the authorities to set up a team to investigate. The efforts resulted in tracking down an Arab national M.B., 43, who confessed during questioning to forging a Dh100 bill by using a scanner, a computer and a printer she owns at her home. Her statement revealed the involvement of two other men of the same nationality who allegedly helped her carry out the crimes and used the fake notes to buy food.
The three suspects are unemployed and are believed to have ordered food in dimly-lit neighbourhoods in Al Ain, allowing the woman to conceal her identity and preventing the delivery person from properly examining the Dh100 bill being used to pay for the order.
After receiving the correct amount in change, the woman would quickly flee the area. After searching the suspect’s home, police reportedly found the items that were being used to create the forged bills in addition to mobile phones that were registered under the names of non-existent people to be used to make the food orders.
Brigadier Hamad Ajlan Al Amimi, Director of the Al Ain Police Directorate, advised restaurants and food outlets to ensure the authenticity of the money given by customers. In case of even the slightest suspicion vendors are advised to report the issue to police on 8002626 or by sending a text message to 2828 or by directly contacting police stations.
