Recently we received a call from a major corporate customer asking about our document legalization services for United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was comparing our prices and processes with his current service provider. As we went into the details, he explained that our National U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) stamp was more expensive than the US Arab Chamber of Commerce stamp that his current service provider used.
This was an odd statement because there is only ONE authorized Chamber of Commerce stamp for legalizing documents in UAE: the NUSACC stamp with the green outline (pictured). We contacted the UAE Embassy and were told that the only recognized “Chamber” stamp is the NUSACC stamp and that any other stamp is fraudulent. More importantly, the completed documents could not be legally used in the UAE.
Unfortunately, some providers in this industry are engaged in unethical business practices. They “invent” their own Chamber stamp (see the stamp outlined in yellow) and then convince their customers that the stamp is legitimate.
The service providers using fraudulent stamps are engaging in unethical and possibly illegal practices. More importantly for regulatory professionals, by accepting such a stamp, you may be exposing your company to substantial risks, including the non-recognition of your documents in a foreign country, claims of violating the law in a foreign country, and millions of dollars of lost revenue.
Fake stamps are no laughing matter. If you are concerned about documents that may not have been properly and legally authenticated, contact WCS. We will be sure to give you accurate, trustworthy guidance.