Al-Watani Warns Against Fake Chalet Booking Offers on Social Media
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 Bankers 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 and 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 techniques.
Currently, National Bank of Kuwait is focusing on warning against fraud related to hotel apartment and chalet bookings, which typically increase during holiday seasons and vacations. 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 that appear significantly lower than market rates to attract customers and urge them to complete bookings quickly.
Fraudsters often require a deposit or an advance payment to confirm the booking. Customers later discover that the rental entity does not exist, the property advertised 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 making hotel or chalet reservations. The bank urges customers to verify the credibility of the rental 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 applications 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, in an attempt to lend greater credibility to their fraudulent activities.
