NBK warns customers against the spread of coronavirus related fraud
Warning aims to protect customers and raise awareness
KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is always committed to educate its customers about the latest types of fraud and ways to prevent them, in light of the recent increased fraudulent activities due to the coronavirus outbreak. In this context, the bank continues to run its awareness campaigns and provide customers with advice and guidance on bank account fraud and ways to protect themselves.
The bank advices its customers to be aware of the most recent types of fraud that include:
Selling medical products
Fraudsters claim to sell medical products and personal protective equipment using fake websites, e-mail addresses, e-commerce platforms and social media accounts created to facilitate fraud. Some of them even use the names of renowned companies in the area of production and distribution of medical products, and request to complete the payment process by transferring funds to obtain customers’ banking details.
Winning a prize
Fraudsters may contact customers through phone calls, claiming to be an NBK representative and informing them that they have won a prize. They will ask customers to disclose their account or card details to receive the prize.
Requesting data update
Fraudsters ask customers to update their information through SMS or social media applications like WhatsApp, claiming that their debit card has been blocked because they had not updated their personal information.
Loan postponement
Fraudsters send messages to customers via SMS or social media applications like WhatsApp asking them to call a dedicated number in order to postpone their loan installment, which allows fraudsters to obtain their bank details.
Impersonating health authorities
Fraudsters claim to be a representative from the health authorities through e-mails. They ask customers to visit a dedicated webpage and log in using their e-mail and password; they will therefore use this data to obtain personal information.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Business email compromise is a type of fraud in which businesses receive emails from fraudsters pretending to be their suppliers or vendors. Through these emails, scammers usually inform a business that the bank account details of the vendor or supplier have been changed.
NBK urges its customers to confirm requests for funds transfer and changes in vendor payment accounts through alternate channels such as a previously used phone number. Should a customer become a victim of a business email scam, they need to immediately notify the bank. A repayment claim can then be sent to the beneficiary bank by the remitting bank and if funds are available in the beneficiary account, they may be returned.
Commenting on the NBK’s efforts to educate its customers on recent fraud methods, Ali Al-Mulla, Head of Domestic Branches, National Bank of Kuwait said: “We always strive to keep our customers aware on the latest methods employed for fraud by constantly communicating with them through our different channels. We always aim to give our customers tips on how to protect their personal and banking information.”
“We have monitored a significant change in the fraud schemes since the outbreak of coronavirus. Scammers are constantly trying to steal personal information and obtaining private data. This is why at NBK, we ensure that we are always close to our customers and provide them with the best ways to protect their accounts from increasing suspicious activities.” He added.
Al-Mulla stressed that NBK Employees will never ask customers to disclose their personal bank details like account, card details or OTP, therefore customers shouldn’t share there confidential banking information with anyone. Al-Mulla affirmed that customers should immediately report any suspicion of fraud attempts by calling 1801801.
NBK also advises customers to follow the bank’s social media channels, where they can find information and instructions to guide them. They can also visit nbk.com to learn more about fraud types and ways to prevent them.
NBK continues its awareness
campaign