Latest news with #Al-Sarraf
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Arab Times
Cyber crooks in Kuwait get smarter
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Many people have heard or known individuals falling for cybercrimes, and they might think they are beyond reach; however, it might strike anyone with internet access, whether on a phone or any other device. The Interior Ministry's cybercrime department is on the vanguard when it comes to protecting citizens and residents alike from such evil schemes, but it remains vital to be vigilant and updated on the latest cyber scams and methods. Some 3,000 cybercrime cases were reported last year, and last month 164 crimes were reported, which gives you an indication of how impactful cybercrime on society, Lieut-Colonel Ammar Al-Sarraf, acting head of the assistance services department of the Interior Ministry's cybercrime department, told KUNA. He indicated that fake text messages on parties pretending to represent official entities and banks were at the top of the fraud list, adding that scammers were using more advanced technologies and different methods to set traps for the uninformed. He revealed that one of the top scams involved advertisements for renting chalets on social media, carried out by using Kuwaiti telephone numbers, which did not give verification of whether the social media account was fake or not. Online shops selling products with ridiculously low prices also attracted unsuspecting customers, Al-Sarraf added. He continued, fake payment links, which looked legitimate and represented government or official companies, were used by scammers to steal data and money. On how to have basic protection against such acts, Al-Sarraf said that before entering data and falling victim to such scams, one must verify the websites visited, noting that legitimate websites in Kuwait end with a ( line. He applauded the Wamdh (flash) service, which managed to decrease fraudulent transactions, adding that the Aman (Safety) virtual room, a mechanism that gathers Kuwaiti banks, the public prosecution, and the financial crimes unit, also played a role in monitoring and keeping such cybercrimes at bay. Some KD four million (USD 13 million) of citizens' and residents' finances were protected with around 2,540 cases of cybercrimes reported last December, he revealed, adding that around KD one million (USD 3.2 million) was safeguarded between January and May of 2025. Al-Sarraf noted that there was a permanent digital coordination outfit established in 2023 dedicated to shutting down suspicious websites and tracking down fake numbers. The unit managed to close down 2,300 scam sites and disconnected 2,200 fake WhatsApp numbers. Those getting caught within Kuwaiti borders are handled according to Kuwaiti law, while those abroad would be handled via Kuwait-INTERPOL cooperation, affirmed Al- Sarraf who brought up operation 'Red Tower', which saw a suspect targeting a communication tower in Kuwait apprehended in a GCC country and brought to justice. In regard to the effectiveness of Law 63/2015 concerning cybercrime prevention, Al-Sarraf stressed that it was the cornerstone of efforts to bring down such heinous acts. Around 70 lectures are held annually in schools, educational bodies, and government institutions to spread awareness on such crimes, he said. Al-Sarraf called on citizens and residents to contact the official WhatsApp number 97283939 to report any crime against them and spread awareness of the dangers of cybercrimes.
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Arab Times
Cybercrime threat grows in Kuwait as scams become more sophisticated
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Cybercrime remains a growing threat to individuals across Kuwait, with fraudsters employing sophisticated tactics to target anyone using the internet on phones or other devices. The Interior Ministry's Cybercrime Department is actively working to protect citizens and residents, but experts stress the importance of public vigilance and awareness to avoid falling victim to scams. Lieutenant Colonel Ammar Al-Sarraf, acting head of the Assistance Services Department at the Cybercrime Division, told KUNA that about 3,000 cybercrime cases were reported last year, while 164 cases were recorded in June alone. These figures highlight the significant impact of cybercrime on society. Fake text messages purporting to be from official entities and banks top the list of frauds, according to Al-Sarraf. Scammers are now using more advanced technologies and varied schemes to deceive people. One widespread scam involves fake social media advertisements for chalet rentals using Kuwaiti phone numbers, which do not guarantee the authenticity of the accounts. Additionally, fraudulent online shops lure customers with unrealistically low prices and then send fake payment links to steal money and personal data. Another common tactic involves fake payment links mimicking government or official company sites designed to trick users into divulging banking information. Al-Sarraf advised users to verify websites before submitting any information, noting that legitimate Kuwaiti websites usually end with the domain ". The ministry praised the Wamdh (flash) payment service for helping reduce fraudulent transactions and highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) virtual room, a collaborative platform linking Kuwaiti banks, the Public Prosecution, and the financial crimes unit to monitor suspicious activity and freeze fraudulent accounts swiftly. In December alone, around KD 4 million (USD 13 million) of citizens' and residents' funds were protected, with approximately 2,540 cybercrime cases reported. Between January and May 2025, about KD 1 million (USD 3.2 million) was safeguarded, Al-Sarraf added. Since 2023, a dedicated digital coordination unit has shut down more than 2,300 scam websites and disconnected over 2,200 fake WhatsApp numbers, working alongside telecommunications regulators. Suspects apprehended inside Kuwait are prosecuted under national laws, while those abroad are pursued through Kuwait's cooperation with INTERPOL. Al-Sarraf cited Operation 'Red Tower,' which led to the arrest of suspects targeting communication towers within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Regarding legislation, Al-Sarraf affirmed that Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Information Technology Crimes remains an effective legal foundation. The ministry continuously monitors technological advances and considers updates to keep pace with evolving cyber threats. Public awareness efforts include more than 70 annual lectures at schools, government institutions, and educational centers. The ministry also collaborates with local banks to produce awareness videos and uses the government's 'Sahel' app to send alerts to the public. Lieutenant Colonel Al-Sarraf urged citizens and residents to avoid interacting with suspicious messages and to report cybercrime incidents promptly via the official WhatsApp number 97283939. 'Raising digital awareness is vital to protecting our community from these dangers,' he emphasized. As cybercriminals employ increasingly deceptive methods, Kuwait's authorities remain committed to combating cybercrime through legal action, technological measures, and ongoing public education to safeguard the nation's digital security.
Kuwait Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
NBK supports Rafa Nadal's junior team in Antalya
KUWAIT: In light of their strategic partnership, the National Bank of Kuwait supported the Junior Team at Rafa Nadal Academy during the TenPro Tennis Tournament held in Antalya, Turkey from 11 until 20 April. At the tournament, 8 juniors under 14 years from the Rafa Nadal Academy's team played fierce games in which they showed remarkable competitiveness and exceptional sportsmanship, as they played against opponents from different nationalities, which enabled them to gain international experience and explore diverse tennis practices in a professional and competitive atmosphere. NBK's support comes from its longstanding commitment to social responsibility and strong belief in sponsoring and supporting national talents, in addition to its noticeable efforts to achieve sustainable development by encouraging all society members to exercise and follow healthy lifestyles. On this occasion, Mohammad Al-Sarraf, Public Relations and Event Management Officer said: 'This participation is a great chance for juniors to gain more experience and learn new techniques in tennis. We wish to develop and expand the level of tennis in Kuwait, build a unique generation of champions, and provide ideal platforms that contribute to upskilling junior athletes and achieving their goals.' Al-Sarraf added: 'The popularity of tennis in our society has driven NBK to support it by organizing relevant events and ultimately establishing this strategic partnership through which we strive to build a legacy of excellence and guarantee a promising future of education and development for our youth.' Al-Sarraf also emphasized that NBK prioritizes exercising and healthy lifestyles, and it has always taken the initiative to sponsor championships and tournaments to enable and encourage athletes. In this way, it wishes to achieve its social development objectives by encouraging people to follow healthy lifestyles and subsequently build a brighter future for the Kuwaiti youth. The members of Rafa Nadal Academy have access to 15 open and closed tennis courts that have been designed as per international standards. The academy encompasses squash and padel courts, in addition to a closed swimming pool and segregated fitness centers. It should be noted that NBK is committed to making various initiatives and programs that prioritize youth well-being, education, health, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability, as it strives to play a key role in making positive change and securing a brighter future for the upcoming generations.
Arab Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
NBK Supports Rafa Nadal's Junior Team during TenPro Global Tennis Tournament in Antalya
KUWAIT CITY, May 8: In light of their strategic partnership, the National Bank of Kuwait supported the Junior Team at Rafa Nadal Academy during the TenPro Tennis Tournament held in Antalya, Turkey, from 11 to 20 April. At the tournament, 8 juniors under 14 years from the Rafa Nadal Academy's team played fierce games in which they showed remarkable competitiveness and exceptional sportsmanship, as they played against opponents from different nationalities, which enabled them to gain international experience and explore diverse tennis practices in a professional and competitive atmosphere. NBK's support comes from its longstanding commitment to social responsibility and strong belief in sponsoring and supporting national talents, in addition to its noticeable efforts to achieve sustainable development by encouraging all society members to exercise and follow healthy lifestyles. On this occasion, Mohammad Al-Sarraf, Public Relations and Event Management Officer, said: 'This participation is a great chance for juniors to gain more experience and learn new techniques in tennis. We wish to develop and expand the level of tennis in Kuwait, build a unique generation of champions, and provide ideal platforms that contribute to upskilling junior athletes and achieving their goals.' Al-Sarraf added: 'The popularity of tennis in our society has driven NBK to support it by organizing relevant events and ultimately establishing this strategic partnership through which we strive to build a legacy of excellence and guarantee a promising future of education and development for our youth.' Al-Sarraf also emphasized that NBK prioritizes exercising and healthy lifestyles, and it has always taken the initiative to sponsor championships and tournaments to enable and encourage athletes. In this way, it wishes to achieve its social development objectives by encouraging people to follow healthy lifestyles and subsequently build a brighter future for the Kuwaiti youth. The members of Rafa Nadal Academy have access to 15 open and closed tennis courts that have been designed according to international standards. The academy encompasses squash and padel courts, in addition to a closed swimming pool and segregated fitness centers. It should be noted that NBK is committed to making various initiatives and programs that prioritize youth well-being, education, health, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability, as it strives to play a key role in making positive change and securing a brighter future for the upcoming generations.
Al Bawaba
07-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
KIB warns of fraudulent schemes targeting users of the WAMD service
Kuwait International Bank (KIB) reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing banking awareness among its customers, as part of the 'Let's Be Aware' (Diraya) campaign, launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) in cooperation with local banks. The campaign aims to educate customers about the risks of banking fraud and to promote financial inclusion within the this context, the Bank warned of an increase in fraud attempts involving the WAMD instant transfer service. Scammers typically contact individuals, claiming they have mistakenly transferred funds to their accounts, and then request a refund through payment links sent via WhatsApp or SMS. These fake links are often designed to steal sensitive financial information, such as bank card details, OTP numbers, or login information for online or mobile banking services, leading to theft of money from customers. Mohammed Al-Sarraf, Assistant Manager – Anti-Fraud Unit at KIB, said: 'We are committed to protecting our customers from all forms of fraud and urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious payments to their bank immediately. They should also refrain from interacting with individuals claiming to have received funds by mistake. They should also avoid engaging with suspicious links received through social media.'Al-Sarraf added that KIB remains committed to educating customers on essential precautions when using the WAMD service—such as verifying recipient details and their phone number, confirming the transfer amount before sending, and saving the recipient's number in their contact list to ensure secure is worth noting that KIB consistently monitors emerging fraud tactics and works to keep customers informed by offering guidance and practical tips to help protect them from potential scams. The Bank also shares awareness materials across its social media platforms to ensure the Diraya campaign's messages reach the widest possible audience and to empower customers to navigate evolving banking challenges. These efforts reflect KIB's ongoing commitment to deepening its relationship with customers by fostering trust in its services and reinforcing the values of security and transparency in all banking transactions. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
