'Interior Ministry': Beware of Online Fraud Involving Travel Bookings, Hotels, and Car Sales Ads

Al-Mansouri called for avoiding unrealistic offers

The Colonel Othman Al-Mansouri, Director of the Security Media Management Department at the Ministry of Interior, affirmed that the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with relevant state authorities, continues to implement awareness campaigns and programs, intensifying guidance messages aimed at protecting citizens and residents from cybercrimes, fraud, and electronic scams. He noted that awareness efforts are ongoing and continuous, yet some individuals still fall victim to these crimes due to a failure to adhere to security guidelines and warnings.

Colonel Al-Mansouri, during an interview on the television program "Good Morning Kuwait," explained that cybercrimes are constantly evolving alongside rapid technological advancements and the widespread use of social media platforms and smart devices. This necessitates raising the level of awareness and caution when dealing with unsafe websites and applications. He pointed out that fraud methods vary from one period to another and from one electronic platform to another, as scammers exploit fake advertisements to lure victims and steal their money.

He highlighted that one of the most prominent forms of electronic fraud involves travel, hotel, and chalet bookings, particularly during weekends and holidays when some people search for accommodation or tourist destinations. Victims often fall prey to fake websites impersonating well-known tourism entities or facilities, leading them to transfer funds before realizing they have been scammed.

He added that fraud is not limited to travel bookings; it extends to buying and selling transactions via social media applications. Scammers display fake goods and products, demanding money transfers before the buyer discovers they have been defrauded.

He noted that car sale advertisements also represent a method exploited by scammers, who offer vehicles at prices unreasonably lower than market rates to entice buyers into paying a deposit or transferring money to reserve the car. Later, the buyer discovers the advertisement was fake and that they have been deceived. He emphasized the necessity of dealing only with approved showrooms, companies, and entities, and verifying the authenticity of advertisements before making any financial payments, especially in transactions conducted outside the State of Kuwait.

Al-Mansouri stressed the importance of not sharing banking data, bank card numbers, or secret verification codes with any untrusted person or entity, and warned against entering such data into unknown links or websites. He affirmed that exercising caution when using electronic applications and programs, as well as monitoring children’s use of smart devices, helps mitigate the risks of fraud, account theft, and the loss of financial funds and social media accounts.

He called on citizens and residents to verify the authenticity of websites and entities they deal with, and to avoid being lured by unrealistic offers or conspicuously low prices. He emphasized the importance of immediately reporting any attempt at electronic fraud or scamming by contacting the Cybercrime Hotline at 97283939.

He confirmed that the General Directorate of Public Relations and Security Media continues to fulfill its awareness role through campaigns and media messages aimed at enhancing security awareness within society and instilling a culture of safe technology use. He noted that the doors of Security Media and relevant authorities remain open to receive inquiries, reports, and provide necessary guidance.