Dubai’s Department of Economic Development will send “mystery shoppers” to establishments to see if retailers violate VAT rules.
Mystery shopping teams were formed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to identify violators of the 5 percent value added tax (VAT) policy on goods and services, said Ahmad Alzaabi, acting director of consumer protection at DED.
"DED has special teams, consisting of full-time employees of DED, who check checks and sales of VAT, and" mystery shoppers "who anonymously control prices," he said.
On Monday, the DED filed 71 consumer complaints. Alzaabi said fines would be written to the violators and asked to return the amount with a surcharge. In extreme cases, companies may face closures if they continue to raise prices.
Over the past 10 days from the introduction of VAT on January 1, the department receives an average of 70 complaints daily. According to Alzaabi, a maximum of four days is required to resolve each case.
"We are still at an early stage of introducing VAT, and it is clear that there is still some confusion, but consumer vigilance is the most important component of success," Alzaabi emphasized.
Consumers can report violations in the DED by calling toll-free number 600545555 or by contacting DED on social networks (@Dubai_DED).
