To Educate the Public on Their Banking Rights and Responsibilities, and the Various Forms of Online Fraud

• Mahdi Sulaiman: Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to carry out scams.
• Manal Al-Kandari: Attempts to commit fraud and steal banking data increase during the summer and travel seasons.

As part of its continued support for the “Diraya” campaign, Gulf Bank participated in the Layali Al-Kuwait program on Kuwait TV, represented by Executive Manager of the Marketing Department, Mahdi Sulaiman, and Assistant Manager of the Consumer Banking Department, Manal Al-Kandari. Their participation aimed to raise public awareness about various types of online fraud, inform people of their banking rights and responsibilities, highlight the different types of financing, and emphasize the importance of promoting a culture of saving within society.

Mahdi Sulaiman noted that the “Diraya” campaign serves as a key social responsibility initiative for Gulf Bank, as it addresses all segments of society—from children and youth to seniors. He explained that the bank ensures its awareness messages reach everyone by preparing tailored content for each group, with a particular focus on educating young people, using Gulf Bank official channels including social media, branches, television, radio, and newspapers.

Mahdi Sulaiman added that fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to carry out scams, including voice imitation. He warned against answering calls from unknown sources, as fraudsters may attempt to record the victim’s voice and contact their acquaintances to request money transfers.

For her part, Manal Al-Kandari noted that fraud attempts increase during the summer and travel seasons, as scammers exploit people’s preoccupation with booking flights and hotels to send fake payment links. They also create fraudulent airline-booking websites and use eSIM technologies to steal banking data. She stressed the bank’s commitment to intensifying its awareness campaigns during these periods to protect customers.

Al-Kandari offered several important tips for customers, including:

• Ignoring any message or call requesting banking or personal information, regardless of the source, and refraining from sharing any information before verifying the identity of the requesting party.
• Avoiding the use of public Wi-Fi networks—such as those in airports or shopping malls—when logging into the bank’s app, as these networks may be exploited to steal data.
• Immediately deactivating cards through the Gulf Bank App or by contacting customer service if they notice any suspicious or unknown payment transactions.

At the end of the interview, Al-Kandari emphasized that no official entity will ever ask customers to share their personal or banking information. Suleiman encouraged the public to follow Gulf Bank’s accounts and the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign to stay updated on the latest awareness messages.

It is worth noting that the Central Bank of Kuwait, in cooperation with the Kuwait Banking Association, launched the “Let’s Be Aware” banking awareness campaign in 2021 to educate bank customers about the most important banking services available to them, enhance their ability to conduct transactions safely, ensure secure dealings, and promote financial inclusion as well as monetary and economic stability. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of customers’ rights and obligations, highlight the benefits of electronic financial transactions, and explain how to avoid associated risks, thereby ensuring cybersecurity.