Bangladesh consulate in Jeddah warns expatriates against signing blank papers

Dhaka: The Consulate General of Bangladesh in Jeddah has urged Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia not to sign or place thumb impressions on blank sheets of paper, warning that such actions could expose them to fraud and legal complications.

In a public advisory issued on June 24, the consulate said signing blank documents at the request of individuals or organizations is highly risky and should be avoided under all circumstances.

The mission warned that unscrupulous individuals or groups may misuse signed blank papers to prepare forged documents, carry out financial fraud, conduct illegal transactions, or engage in other criminal activities.

"As a result, the concerned person may unknowingly become involved in criminal cases, suffer financial losses, or face imprisonment, fines, or other legal penalties," the advisory said.

The consulate also advised Bangladeshi nationals to carefully read, understand, and verify the contents of any document before signing it or providing a thumb impression.

The notice was issued by Md. Mehebub Zaman, Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah.

The mission urged expatriates to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with legal or financial documents to avoid becoming victims of fraud or other unlawful activities.