Bahrain’s Parliament has called for stronger and more sustained action to combat the rising threat of cyber fraud, as scam calls, phishing messages, and fraudulent transactions continue to impact citizens and residents.
MP Hassan Ebrahim, whose proposal received government backing, said cyber fraud is no longer limited to isolated incidents but has grown into a serious risk to both financial security and personal data. He stressed that public awareness remains the first line of defence, noting that many victims could avoid scams by not sharing sensitive banking information, clicking suspicious links, or engaging with unknown callers.
While welcoming ongoing government efforts—including awareness campaigns, media outreach, and coordination with banks and telecom providers—Ebrahim emphasized that these initiatives must evolve into continuous, long-term programmes rather than short-term campaigns.
He highlighted that fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, using advanced technologies and social media platforms to reach larger audiences. Vulnerable groups, particularly older individuals and those less familiar with digital threats, are at greater risk.
To address this, Ebrahim called for targeted awareness campaigns tailored to different segments of society, including students, professionals, and the elderly, ensuring that messaging aligns with how each group interacts with technology.
However, he cautioned that awareness alone is not enough. He urged banks to strengthen technical safeguards, including enhanced verification systems for high-risk transactions such as large or international transfers, as well as improved alert mechanisms and additional confirmation steps for sensitive activities.
Ebrahim also stressed the importance of the telecom sector’s role in tackling cyber fraud, calling for stricter measures to detect and block fraudulent calls and messages before they reach users.
The renewed push reflects growing concern that cyber fraud is becoming more organised, technologically advanced, and widespread, requiring coordinated action across public awareness, financial systems, and telecommunications infrastructure.
