KUWAIT CITY, July 1 — Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has raised alarms over increasingly sophisticated cyber scams involving data theft and financial fraud, posing a growing threat to internet users across the country. The Cybercrime Department is actively combating these threats, but officials emphasize that public vigilance and awareness are crucial in preventing victimization.
Lieutenant Colonel Ammar Al-Sarraf, acting head of the Assistance Services Department at the Cybercrime Division, revealed that approximately 3,000 cybercrime cases were reported in Kuwait last year, with 164 cases recorded in June alone. These figures underscore the significant societal impact of cybercrime.
Fake text messages impersonating official entities and banks remain the most common fraud type. Scammers have adopted advanced technologies and diversified schemes to deceive people. One prevalent scam involves fraudulent social media advertisements for chalet rentals using Kuwaiti phone numbers, which do not guarantee authenticity. Additionally, fake online stores lure customers with unrealistically low prices, then send fake payment links to steal money and personal data.
Another frequent tactic involves counterfeit payment links mimicking government or official company websites designed to trick users into revealing banking information. Al-Sarraf advised verifying websites before submitting information, noting legitimate Kuwaiti websites typically end with the domain “.com.kw.”
The ministry commended the Wamdh (flash) payment service for helping reduce fraudulent transactions and highlighted the “Aman” (Safety) virtual room—a collaborative platform connecting Kuwaiti banks, the Public Prosecution, and the financial crimes unit to monitor suspicious activities and quickly freeze fraudulent accounts.
In December alone, about KD 4 million (USD 13 million) in citizens’ and residents’ funds were protected amid roughly 2,540 cybercrime cases. From January to May 2025, around KD 1 million (USD 3.2 million) was safeguarded, Al-Sarraf added.
Since 2023, a dedicated digital coordination unit has shut down over 2,300 scam websites and disconnected more than 2,200 fake WhatsApp numbers, collaborating closely with telecommunications regulators. Suspects arrested in Kuwait face prosecution under national laws, while those abroad are pursued via international 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).
On legislation, Al-Sarraf affirmed that Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Information Technology Crimes remains an effective legal framework. The ministry continually monitors technological advances and considers updates to address evolving cyber threats.
Public awareness campaigns include over 70 annual lectures at schools, government institutions, and educational centers. The ministry also partners with local banks to produce awareness videos and utilizes the government’s “Sahel” app to send alerts to the public.
Lieutenant Colonel Al-Sarraf urged citizens and residents to avoid engaging with suspicious messages and to promptly report cybercrime incidents 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 tactics, Kuwaiti authorities remain committed to combating cybercrime through legal action, technological measures, and ongoing public education to safeguard the nation’s digital security.
