How To Spot Fake Airline Promotions In Kuwait

01/08/2025

How To Spot Fake Airline Promotions In Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 1: Online scammers are stepping up their game, and thousands across Kuwait could be at risk. Fraudsters are now flooding social media with fake giveaways, too-good-to-be-true investment offers, and forged airline ticket promotions—all designed to steal your data or even your money. The tricks are so convincing that some major brands, including leading airlines, have been forced to temporarily halt their digital advertising campaigns to prevent users from falling prey to these cyber traps.

So, what exactly are these scams—and how can you spot one before it’s too late?

According to cybersecurity experts and brand protection analysts, today’s fraudsters aren’t just amateurs working from the shadows. They’re running slick operations using fake websites, AI-generated visuals, and even trending hashtags to appear credible.

Popular, trusted brands—especially airlines, banks, and government agencies—are frequently impersonated. And while the logos and design might look official, what's lurking behind is anything but.

Growing fake ad epidemic

From false airline giveaways to bogus discounts, here’s how cybercriminals are targeting unsuspecting users:

Hijacking hashtags: Criminals ride on trending social media tags or brand mentions to give their fake posts a visibility boost.
Lookalike domains: https://kuwait-airways.com/ or https://jazeraairways.com/ might seem legitimate at a glance, but they redirect users to phishing pages designed to collect sensitive information or banking credentials.
Tempting bait: From free flight tickets or discounted tickets to India/Egypt/Dubai to promises of doubling your investment in Kuwaiti dinars—if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

How to protect yourself from fake ads

Kuwait users don’t need to be tech experts to stay safe. Here’s what to watch for:

Verify the profile: Only engage with verified social media pages with the blue checkmark. If the page has low engagement or was recently created, avoid it altogether.

Scrutinise usernames on social media: Fraudsters often use slightly altered usernames—like @Kuwaitairways_off1cial instead of @KuwaitAirways. Always double-check before clicking.

Spot poor grammar: Official communications are professionally written. Be wary of posts using sloppy grammar or panic phrases like “Last chance! Act now! or Limited time only! or Selling out fast! or Ends tonight! or Grab it before it’s gone! or Offer expiring soon! or even Unlock this offer!”

Hover before clicking: On a computer, hover over a link to preview its real destination. On mobile, use tools like ScamAdviser.com to assess a site’s safety.

Ignore dream deals: Airline tickets for free or instant returns on financial investments rarely come without strings. Stick to offers announced on official channels or visit airlines' websites or download the airlines' apps

Report and alert: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow users to report misleading ads. Always notify the real brand via their website or official contact channels.

Kuwaiti officials sound the alarm

With summer travel in full swing, the stakes are rising. Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has echoed warnings, urging citizens and expats to avoid falling for fake promotional offers generally found via social platforms unless fully verified.

The Ministry of Interior and Kuwait Banks have jointly flagged these fraudulent campaigns as a “major digital threat,” especially during the holiday season when many are making last-minute travel and financial decisions.

Still, officials urge vigilance. Always check the sender’s email address, and when in doubt, visit the company’s official website directly instead of clicking a link.