Al-Watani Warns of Fake Offers for Chalet Bookings
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, with the aim of enhancing financial and banking literacy among members of society, raising awareness of risks associated with financial and electronic fraud, and empowering customers to make safer and more informed financial decisions.
During the current period, the bank is focusing on warning against fraud related to bookings for hotel apartments and chalets, which typically increase during holiday seasons and vacations. Fraudsters lure victims through fake advertisements posted on various social media platforms, exploiting images and video clips of luxurious chalets and resorts with distinctive sea views, while offering deals and prices that appear significantly lower than prevailing market rates to attract customers and urge them to rush into completing their bookings.
Fraudsters often require a deposit or an advance payment to confirm the reservation, only for the customer to later discover that the renting entity does not exist, that the property advertised differs entirely from the one agreed upon, or that 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 urged 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 applications for the purpose of paying booking fees. It noted that fraudsters have begun using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, to create messages and offers that appear professional and convincing, as well as using external phone numbers that appear local to the recipient, in an effort to lend greater credibility to their fraudulent activities.
National Bank of Kuwait affirmed that protecting customers from financial and electronic risks constitutes a strategic priority for the bank, pointing out that raising awareness remains the first line of defense against growing fraud. Accordingly, the bank continues to implement ongoing awareness programs aimed at educating customers about best security practices when using digital banking services and conducting electronic transactions.
