Al-Watani Warns Against Falling for Fake Offers to Book Chalets via Social Media Platforms
National Bank of Kuwait continues to support the “Let’s Be Aware” financial awareness campaign, launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with Kuwaiti banks and the Kuwait Banks Association. The campaign aims to enhance financial and banking literacy among members of society, raise awareness of risks associated with financial and electronic fraud, and empower customers to make safer, more informed financial decisions.
In line with this support, the bank is committed to disseminating diverse educational content across its various digital platforms and electronic channels. This includes educational videos, awareness messages, and security tips and guidelines, alongside reposting awareness messages issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait. These efforts aim to reach different segments of society and inform them about the latest fraud methods and prevention strategies.
Currently, National Bank of Kuwait is focusing on warning against fraud related to bookings for hotel apartments and chalets, which typically increase during holiday seasons. Fraudsters lure victims through fake advertisements posted on certain social media platforms, exploiting images and videos of luxurious chalets, resorts, and distinctive sea views. They offer deals and prices significantly lower than market rates to attract customers and urge them to complete bookings quickly.
Fraudsters often demand a deposit or an advance payment to confirm the reservation. Customers later discover that the renting entity does not exist, the property offered differs entirely from the agreed-upon one, or the images used were taken from other websites without the owners’ knowledge.
In this context, National Bank of Kuwait emphasized the importance of dealing only with well-known and reputable companies and platforms when booking hotels or chalets. The bank urges customers to verify the credibility of the renting entity, review user ratings and the company’s track record, and inspect the property in person whenever possible before completing the booking or transferring any funds.
The bank also warned against hastily clicking on electronic links sent via text messages or social media apps for the purpose of paying booking fees. It noted that fraudsters are increasingly using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, to create professional and convincing messages and offers. Additionally, they use external phone numbers that appear local to the recipient, attempting to lend further credibility to their fraudulent activities.
National Bank of Kuwait affirmed that protecting customers from financial and electronic risks is a strategic priority for the bank. It highlighted that raising awareness remains the first line of defense against rising fraud cases. Consequently, the bank continues to implement ongoing awareness programs aimed at informing customers about best security practices when using digital banking services and conducting electronic transactions.
The bank urged its customers to adhere to security instructions and guidelines, and not to share banking data, secret PINs, or verification codes with anyone, regardless of their claimed identity, even if they purport to represent an official entity or the bank itself. Customers are advised to change their bank card PINs periodically and to immediately report any suspicious activity or communication.
National Bank of Kuwait believes in the importance of enhancing financial literacy among all segments of society and increasing awareness on how to best utilize the diverse services offered by the bank through its branches and electronic channels, which enjoy the highest following among Kuwaiti banks.
The “Let’s Be Aware” campaign is the largest in the region. It aims to raise banking and financial awareness among bank customers and addresses several critical awareness topics, including: steps to avoid falling victim to fraud, awareness of the risks associated with high-risk investments, best ways to utilize banking services, and promoting a culture of savings and investment, among other related subjects.
It is worth noting that National Bank of Kuwait is a key supporter and partner of all Central Bank of Kuwait campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising financial awareness and promoting banking literacy among society. As a leading financial institution in Kuwait and the region, the bank has consistently organized various events that contribute to raising community awareness on issues of interest to the banking sector. It also conducts numerous training courses for its employees to enhance their expertise in combating fraud and financial crimes.
