“Warba” Calls for Safer Travel Through Financial Awareness
As part 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, Bank of Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to raising the level of financial 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 make the most of digital banking services during their travels.
Abdullah Al-Shaile, Senior Manager of Branches at the Personal Banking Group in the bank, stated that travel represents an opportunity to enjoy memorable experiences, but 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 deliver a smart and secure banking experience for all customers.
Al-Shaile said, “At Bank of Kuwait, we believe that awareness is the cornerstone of protecting customers from evolving financial fraud methods. Therefore, we are committed to providing preventive guidance that enables them to enjoy their travels with peace of mind, while safeguarding the security of their accounts and banking information at all times.”
He explained that proper planning before traveling significantly helps avoid financial obstacles, urging customers to ensure the validity of their bank cards throughout the 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 recommended activating instant notifications via the Bank of Kuwait app, which allows 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 online banking services before leaving the country, while updating security systems on smartphones and smart devices used for making reservations or conducting financial transactions.
Al-Shaile stressed that safeguarding bank cards is one of the most important elements of financial security during travel. He advised customers to keep them in safe places, avoid leaving them unattended, and use hotel safes to store cards and valuable items.
He also recommended keeping payment cards in separate locations, avoiding exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight, and ensuring that the card remains in the customer’s sight when used at point-of-sale terminals.
He emphasized that the bank never asks customers to share their PIN, one-time password (OTP), or passwords via phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media platforms. He urged customers to disregard any such requests and report them immediately.
He added that maintaining the confidentiality of banking data is one of the most effective means of preventing fraud, stressing the importance of reviewing all messages and notifications received from the bank to verify the authenticity of executed transactions.
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.
Finally, he encouraged customers to keep receipts and review them to confirm the accuracy of transaction amounts before finalizing them.
He emphasized that the digital services offered by Woori Bank provide customers with a high level of control over their accounts while traveling, enabling them to monitor all financial transactions, manage their cards, and easily and securely access electronic services.
