By Ali Al-Rashidi
KUWAIT, July 1 (KUNA) — Many individuals have either heard of or personally known someone who has fallen victim to cybercrime, often believing they are immune; however, anyone with internet access, whether through a phone or other device, could be targeted.
The Interior Ministry’s cybercrime department is at the forefront in safeguarding both citizens and residents from these malicious schemes, though it remains crucial for people to stay alert and informed about the latest cyber scams and tactics.
Approximately 3,000 cybercrime cases were reported last year, with 164 incidents recorded in the most recent month alone, illustrating the growing impact of cybercrime on society, stated Lieut-Colonel Ammar Al-Sarraf, acting head of the assistance services department within the Interior Ministry’s cybercrime unit.
He noted that fraudulent text messages impersonating official institutions and banks are among the most common types of scams, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated technologies and methods to deceive unsuspecting users.
One of the most prevalent scams involves fake advertisements for chalet rentals on social media, often using Kuwaiti phone numbers, which do not confirm whether the account is authentic.
Additionally, online shops offering products at unrealistically low prices have also lured many unaware customers, Al-Sarraf added.
He further explained that scammers frequently use counterfeit payment links that appear legitimate and mimic those of government or official companies to steal personal data and money.
To protect against such threats, Al-Sarraf advised verifying websites before entering any personal information, emphasizing that legitimate websites in Kuwait end with the domain “.com.kw”.
He praised the Wamdh (Flash) service for significantly reducing fraudulent transactions, and highlighted the Aman (Safety) virtual room initiative, which brings together Kuwaiti banks, the public prosecution, and the financial crimes unit to monitor and prevent cybercrime.
He revealed that approximately KD four million (USD 13 million) in citizens’ and residents’ funds were protected following around 2,540 reported cybercrime incidents last December, with an additional KD one million (USD 3.2 million) safeguarded between January and May 2025.
Al-Sarraf also mentioned the establishment in 2023 of a permanent digital coordination team dedicated to shutting down suspicious websites and tracking fake phone numbers.
This unit has successfully closed 2,300 scam websites and disconnected 2,200 fake WhatsApp numbers.
Suspects located within Kuwait are dealt with under national law, while those abroad are pursued through cooperation with INTERPOL, as exemplified by operation “Red Tower,” which led to the arrest of an individual targeting a communication tower in Kuwait within a GCC country.
Regarding the effectiveness of Law 63/2015 on cybercrime prevention, Al-Sarraf emphasized that it serves as the foundation for combating these crimes.
About 70 awareness lectures are conducted annually in schools, educational institutions, and government agencies to educate the public on cyber threats.
He urged citizens and residents to report any incidents via the official WhatsApp number 97283939 and to spread awareness about the dangers of cybercrime.
— news from (Kuwait News Agency)