KIB warns against the growing use of artificial intelligence in electronic fraud operations

Kuwait, 9 June 2026: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) continues to reinforce its commitment to promoting banking awareness and digital security, particularly as most fraud cases today are now carried out electronically. In an interview on Kuwait TV’s Qabel Al-Asr program, Basil Al-Suwaidan, General Manager of the Information Security, Privacy and Anti-Fraud Department at KIB, highlighted the major shift from traditional fraud methods, such as forged cheques and signatures, to more advanced and increasingly complex digital techniques.

Al-Suwaidan explained that electronic fraud has become increasingly attractive to criminals due to its ease of execution and lower likelihood of detection compared to traditional crimes. He noted that younger age groups are now more vulnerable to being targeted, whereas older adults were previously the primary victims.

He pointed out that social media platforms and messaging apps, particularly WhatsApp, have become major channels for fraud. He also warned of the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic the voices of relatives or friends, a technique known as “deep fakes.”

Al-Suwaidan shared a set of preventive guidelines to help reduce the risk of electronic fraud, including refraining from transferring money in response to untrusted messages or calls, even if the names or numbers appear familiar. He also stressed the importance of verifying requests directly through a regular phone call and avoiding saving bank card details on websites.

He also urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with links related to shipments, health insurance, or bill payments, especially those appearing among the top search engine results. He noted that some of these links may be designed to steal data or compromise devices.

Al-Suwaidan also warned against commercial offers with unrealistically low prices, noting that many are fraudulent schemes designed to lure victims into making advance payments or deposits for products or services that do not actually exist.

Regarding electronic payment transactions, Al-Suwaidan explained that recovering stolen funds may be possible in some cases, provided the fraud is reported promptly. He noted that sharing a one-time password (OTP) with any party is considered direct authorization of the transaction, which reduces the chances of recovering the amount.

He also stressed the importance of regularly updating applications and software to close security gaps that fraudsters could exploit. Additionally, he warned against clicking links received via text messages, email, or social messaging apps without first verifying their source.

Al-Suwaidan also warned of the risks associated with some cryptocurrency platforms, citing the difficulty of tracking certain transactions, as well as the growing number of platform breaches and failures and the financial and security risks they pose.

Al-Suwaidan concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening cyber awareness, particularly among teenagers and older adults. He urged the public to avoid oversharing personal information on social media and to consult trusted individuals before making any payments related to unclear offers or attractive investments.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote banking awareness and digital security, KIB continues to participate for the sixth consecutive year in the “Let’s Be Aware” awareness campaign, launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) in cooperation with the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA), with the support of Kuwaiti banks. Through its participation, KIB publishes regular awareness messages and bulletins across its electronic channels and digital platforms, while also providing guidance and educational content aimed at enhancing financial and banking literacy and raising customers’ awareness of electronic fraud risks and prevention methods.