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 ".com.kw".

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.