In line with its efforts to support Diraya campaign, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has warned of fraudulent messages impersonating official authorities. The messages contain misleading information of outstanding fines and penalties, and request payment via electronic links attached to the message. The Bank urges customers to ignore such messages and not to click on any links within them or provide any personal or financial information. 

The Banks also reaffirm that penalties and fees are paid through official channels only and responding to suspicious messages may expose customers to electronic fraud and the loss of their money.

Impersonating official authorities

KFH highlighted the dangers of responding to unknown messages disguised as official authorities and requesting fines payment, noting that State authorities do not request data update or pay fines via unknown links.

New fraud methods

Fraud methods are progressing continuously according to KFH, where it depends on convincing methods to trap their victims by creating a state of psychological pressure to pay or threatening legal actions if the transaction is not done immediately.

 These fraudulent messages also include suspicious electronic links directing the victim to fake websites designed to steal personal data and financial accounts, most of which are outside Kuwait.

Awareness: the first line of defense

Moreover, KFH reassures that awareness and vigilance are the first line of defense in combating electronic fraud, urging customers and the public not to respond to any unknown messages that request payment or personal or banking data via suspicious links.  The Bank also urges customers to report any shady messages and not to share any banking or personal information under any circumstances.

KFH also emphasized its commitment to progressing its role in promoting banking and digital awareness among customers and the community, stemming from its responsibility to protect its customers and help them to recognize advanced fraud methods. Additionally, the Bank noted that fraudsters occasionally exploit the names and logos of official entities to legitimize their crimes. KFH advises customers to verify the source of a message and avoid clicking on suspicious links to prevent falling victim to fraud.

KFH stressed the need to combat fraud by increasing financial awareness and vigilance, and refraining from sharing any confidential information related to personal cards, OTP, or bank card passwords, whether by phone, email, or any other means, reconfirming that KFH does not request its customers to share or update their financial data via phone, email, or text message.

Diraya campaign

It is worth noting that KFH remains committed to supporting Diraya awareness Campaign since its launch by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). The Bank is keen to place customer security at the top of its priority, reflecting its success in promoting digital and banking awareness and achieving safe digital transformation in sustainable secure environment.

KFH continues to implement purposeful initiatives aimed at raising awareness across all segments of society. The Bank posts financial awareness content on its social media platforms and digital channels that showcases the latest services and products.