KUWAIT: As part of its continued support for the Central Bank of Kuwait’s “Diraya” campaign, Gulf Bank has cautioned against blindly trusting internet search engines. The Bank urges individuals to exercise vigilance when searching online and to confirm that the website they are accessing is the official platform of the intended organization before making payments or sharing personal and banking details.

Gulf Bank emphasized the dangers of depending solely on search engine results, which can sometimes direct users to fraudulent websites. The Bank further highlighted that scammers are becoming more advanced, expertly replicating the design and branding of reputable institutions to mislead users. These fraudulent websites expose users to significant risks, including online scams and the theft of sensitive banking details.

To help protect users, Gulf Bank provided the following recommendations:

1.Make sure the URL matches the official website and includes “HTTPS” along with a padlock icon for added security.

2.Verify search results by comparing them with the official website to ensure authenticity.

3.Avoid clicking on links unless certain of their legitimacy.

4.Avoid linking your email to one-time password (OTP) codes.

5.Activate two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your devices and prevent unauthorized access.

6.Pay government fees through the “Sahel” app or the official website of the relevant authority.

7.Verify the credibility of platforms before making payments on shopping or service websites.

8.Do not respond to requests for civil ID verification from unknown sources.

9.Refrain from responding to SMS or emails that request payments or additional information for deliveries or civil IDs.

The “Diraya” campaign, launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in partnership with the Kuwait Banking Association, seeks to educate bank customers about essential banking services and empower them with the knowledge to carry out secure transactions. The campaign also promotes financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and awareness of customer rights and responsibilities, while emphasizing the advantages of digital financial transactions and providing guidance on how to minimize related risks.