Latest news with #AmmarAl-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.
