Latest news with #CybercrimeDepartment
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
WhatsApp and Social Media Used in Fraudulent Water Park Tickets
KUWAIT CITY, June 21: With the summer season approaching and families preparing for outings to water parks, authorities have raised alarms over a surge in online scams targeting eager vacationers. Fraudsters are capitalizing on the seasonal demand by promoting fake discounts and special offers for water park tickets through fraudulent websites and social media accounts that closely resemble official channels. These scammers often advertise attractive deals such as 'buy five tickets, get two free' or reduced rates for families. Victims are lured into transferring money for these supposed offers, only to be left empty-handed, either receiving fake tickets or falling prey to cyber theft, with some having their bank accounts compromised after completing the transaction. In many cases, scammers use Kuwait phone numbers and WhatsApp accounts displaying images of popular water parks to appear legitimate. However, investigations reveal that most of these operations are run from outside Kuwait. One Kuwaiti citizen shared his experience on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), revealing he was scammed out of KD 200 after purchasing tickets for his children from an individual advertising through WhatsApp. He urged the public to avoid unofficial sources and only use verified platforms for ticket bookings. A security source confirmed that Kuwait's Cybercrime Department continues to monitor such fraudulent activities and has issued repeated warnings against dealing with unverified websites and social media accounts. Citizens and residents are strongly advised to use only official channels for bookings and to promptly report any suspected scams to the authorities. Munif Nayef Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
Arab Times
18-02-2025
- Arab Times
Fugitive in Kuwait cyber fraud case arrested in Gulf country
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: A fugitive member of the Chinese gang apprehended last week in connection with cyberattacks and attempts to seize funds from bank accounts of individuals and companies by hacking into local telecommunications towers, has been arrested in a Gulf country. According to security sources, Kuwait's security authorities coordinated and held intensive communication with security authorities in that Gulf country immediately after the suspect fled the country. This contributed to his successful arrest in that country. Coordination is now underway to return him to Kuwait for further legal action. The sources affirmed that the Ministry of Interior exerted huge efforts to arrest the gang members and refer them to the Public Prosecution. They said the Cybercrime Department is continuing its investigations to arrest all those involved and hold them accountable.
