Al-Watani Warns of Fake Offers for Booking Chalets via Social Media Platforms
In the framework of the banking awareness campaign “Let’s Be Aware”
National Bank of Kuwait continues to support the “Let’s Be Aware” banking 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 publishing diverse awareness 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 contribute to reaching different segments of society and informing them about the latest fraud methods and prevention techniques.
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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 rush into completing their bookings.
Fraudsters often require a deposit or an advance payment to confirm the reservation. Customers later discover that the renting 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.
Dealing with Trusted Platforms
In this context, National Bank of Kuwait emphasized the importance of dealing only with well-known and trusted companies and platforms when making hotel or chalet reservations. 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 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, 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 growing fraud, which is why the bank continues to implement ongoing awareness programs.
The bank called on its customers to adhere to security instructions and guidelines, and to refrain from sharing banking data, secret PINs, or verification codes with anyone, regardless of their position.
Enhancing Financial Literacy
National Bank of Kuwait believes in the importance of enhancing financial literacy among various 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 level of engagement among Kuwaiti banks.
The “Let’s Be Aware” campaign is the largest in the region, aiming to raise banking and financial awareness among bank customers.
