Protection from Deceptive Practices in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi Arabia actively combats commercial fraud through multiple enforcement channels:
- False advertising: Businesses cannot make false or misleading claims about a product's features, quality, origin, or price. The MOC runs regular advertising audits.
- Bait-and-switch: Advertising at a low price to lure customers, then pushing a different product is illegal.
- Hidden fees: The total price must be clearly displayed including VAT (15%). Surprise charges after purchase are prohibited.
- Counterfeit goods: Selling fake or imitation products is a criminal offence under the Commercial Fraud Law. The Balagh app lets consumers report suspected commercial fraud with photo evidence directly to MOC inspectors.
- Price gouging: The MOC monitors prices of essential goods and can impose price controls during emergencies, shortages, or Hajj/Umrah season.
- Penalties: Fines up to SAR 1,000,000, store closure, and criminal prosecution for fraud.
When does it apply?
- A seller misrepresented a product — it does not match what was advertised.
- You were charged hidden fees or a price different from what was displayed.
- You suspect you bought a counterfeit product.
What to Do If a Business in Saudi Arabia Deceived You or Charged Hidden Fees
- Document the deception — take screenshots of advertisements, keep receipts, and photograph the product.
- Report to the Ministry of Commerce by calling 1900, using the MOC app, or the Balagh app for commercial fraud.
- For counterfeit goods, you can also report to Saudi Customs (ZATCA) or the police.
- Request a full refund — you are entitled to your money back if the product was misrepresented.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not knowingly buy counterfeit goods — while buyers are generally not penalized, these products may be unsafe and lack SABER certification.
- Do not delete evidence of misleading advertisements or communications with the seller.
- Do not assume verbal promises are enforceable — get offers and guarantees in writing.
Common Questions
When does it apply — protection from deceptive practices?
A seller misrepresented a product — it does not match what was advertised.You were charged hidden fees or a price different from what was displayed.You suspect you bought a counterfeit product.
What should I do if a business in Saudi Arabia misled me about a product or charged me undisclosed fees?
Document the deception — take screenshots of advertisements, keep receipts, and photograph the product.Report to the Ministry of Commerce by calling 1900, using the MOC app, or the Balagh app for commercial fraud.For counterfeit goods, you can also report to Saudi Customs (ZATCA) or the police.Request a full refund — you are entitled to your money back if the product was misrepresented.
What should you NOT do — protection from deceptive practices?
Do not knowingly buy counterfeit goods — while buyers are generally not penalized, these products may be unsafe and lack SABER certification.Do not delete evidence of misleading advertisements or communications with the seller.Do not assume verbal promises are enforceable — get offers and guarantees in writing.