Online fraud is treated very seriously under Qatar's Cybercrime Prevention Law. Article 13 specifically criminalises using an information network or technology to fraudulently obtain money, property, or services from others, with penalties of up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to QR 500,000, or either penalty alone. This covers a wide range of activities, including phishing, fake online selling schemes, impersonation for financial gain, and other forms of digital deception.
Additionally, Article 10 deals with the forgery of official electronic documents or the use of forged electronic documents, carrying some of the law's harshest penalties — up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to QR 200,000. Using a fake electronic document as part of a fraud scheme could therefore attract charges under multiple articles simultaneously.
Expats should also be aware that being a victim of online fraud does not automatically protect you from scrutiny — for example, if you unwittingly forwarded fraudulent content. If you have been targeted by an online scam in Qatar, you should report it to the Ministry of Interior's Cybercrime Combating Center rather than attempting to resolve it privately. Keep all digital evidence, such as messages and transaction records, as these are admissible under Article 15 of the law.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.