The Cybercrime Department of the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has issued a public advisory urging all citizens and expatriates to exercise extreme caution when handling personal information online. The department emphasized that sharing data such as the civil identification number, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) sent by banks, or any banking and personal details with unauthorized entities can lead to fraudulent activities and financial losses.

The advisory comes in response to the growing number of online scams targeting residents. Fraudsters often pose as representatives of banks, telecom companies, or government agencies to extract sensitive data under false pretenses. The Ministry has observed a spike in complaints involving the unauthorized use of OTPs and civil IDs, resulting in compromised accounts and cyber theft.

Safety Measures to Prevent Cybercrime

• Never share your civil ID or OTP with unverified sources.
• Avoid responding to suspicious emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies.
• Verify the legitimacy of any request before disclosing personal or financial information.
• Install security software and regularly update passwords.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately to the Cybercrime Unit.

The Ministry of Interior continues to work closely with national and international cybersecurity agencies to detect, prevent, and prosecute digital crimes. Public awareness campaigns are being launched across platforms to educate residents about the latest tactics used by scammers.

Real-Life Examples of Cybercrime in the Region

Authorities cited recent incidents where victims unknowingly provided bank OTPs or civil ID numbers, resulting in unauthorized withdrawals and account breaches. In several cases, scammers used counterfeit websites or apps that resembled official ones to deceive users.

Final Word: Vigilance is the First Line of Defense

As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, vigilance remains the key to protection. The Ministry of Interior reiterates that no official body will ever request banking credentials or OTPs via phone or message. Residents must remain alert and think twice before responding to any request involving personal data.