18/10/2026
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18/10/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 18: The Ministry of Interior has warned citizens and expats against dealing with individuals, shops and online accounts promoting schemes that offer immediate cash in exchange for purchasing mobile phones and devices through deferred-payment or installment contracts with telecommunications companies.
The ministry said such practices violate legal and regulatory frameworks and could expose participants to criminal liability, including risks associated with usury, fraud, deception and money laundering.
According to the advisory, promoters entice customers with promises of immediate cash in exchange for purchasing phones or other devices and handing them over to intermediaries at prices as much as 40 percent below their market value.
Customers may also be asked to sign contracts or documents showing inflated amounts exceeding the cash they actually receive, potentially exposing them to legal violations and judicial consequences.
The ministry urged the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid becoming involved in such arrangements, warning that individuals could face legal consequences even if they participate without fully understanding the nature of the transactions.
The Ministry of Interior said it was working in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and the General Authority for Communications and Information Technology to monitor violating accounts and commercial outlets and take action against those responsible.
The measures could include apprehending violators, withdrawing or cancelling commercial licences, administratively closing establishments and referring those involved to the competent authorities for legal action.
The ministry reiterated its call for citizens and residents to avoid these schemes and report suspicious promotional activities through the appropriate official channels.
The advisory was published through the Ministry of Interior’s official communication channels.
