"Warba" Urges Its Clients to Travel More Safely

In the context of its ongoing support for the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with the Kuwait Banks Association, and coinciding with the holiday and travel season, NBK reaffirmed its commitment to raising the level of banking awareness among its customers. The bank provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and tips to help them manage their finances securely, avoid fraud attempts, and easily utilize digital banking services during their travels.

Abdullah Al-Shaail, Senior Branch Manager for the Retail Banking Group at NBK, stated that while travel offers an opportunity to enjoy and create memorable experiences, it also requires a high degree of awareness when dealing with bank cards and electronic services. He noted that the bank continues its efforts to promote financial literacy and enhance the security of digital transactions, in line with its strategy to provide a smart and secure banking experience for all customers.

Al-Shaail explained that proper planning before traveling significantly helps avoid financial obstacles. He urged customers to ensure the validity of their bank cards throughout the duration of their trip and to review their balances and credit limits in accordance with the nature of their travel and expected expenses. He also emphasized the importance of updating contact information registered with the bank, including phone numbers and email addresses, to ensure swift communication when needed. Additionally, he advised activating instant notifications via the NBK app, which enables customers to monitor all banking transactions in real time.

He pointed out the necessity of downloading the latest version of the bank’s app and ensuring access to electronic banking services before leaving the country, while updating security systems on smartphones and smart devices used for making reservations or executing financial transactions. Al-Shaail stressed that the bank never asks customers to share their PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), or passwords via phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media platforms. He urged customers to ignore any such requests and report them immediately.

He highlighted the importance of inspecting ATMs before use to ensure they are free from any unusual attachments or devices that could be used to steal card data. He advised covering the keypad when entering the PIN and refusing assistance from strangers under any pretext.

Al-Shaail confirmed that the digital services provided by NBK offer customers a high level of control over their accounts while traveling, allowing them to monitor all financial transactions, manage their cards, and utilize electronic services easily and securely. He added that the app enables customers to control their cards, temporarily blocking or reactivating them as needed, thereby enhancing protection and reducing risks in case of suspected unauthorized use.

He also advised against using public or unprotected Wi-Fi networks for banking transactions. If necessary, he recommended using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) and avoiding entering banking details through unknown links or untrusted websites.

He emphasized that quick action plays a fundamental role in minimizing potential losses. He urged customers to immediately block or freeze their cards via the NBK app in case of loss or suspicion of any unusual transaction, followed by contacting the customer service center to report the incident and take the necessary measures.