The head of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Electronic Media Union, Mohammed Al-Rashidi, has issued a strong warning about a growing wave of cyber fraud targeting residents through fake online pages impersonating major local companies.

Al-Rashidi confirmed that “these hackers become active from time to time, especially during seasonal periods, by creating fraudulent social media pages offering fake promotions and discounts in the name of well-known companies.”

He stressed the importance of using only official applications and verified websites, noting, “It is imperative to ensure that you are using official platforms because they are difficult to impersonate. Relying on them significantly reduces the chances of falling victim to cyber scams.”

Speaking to Al-Rai Arabic Newspaper, Al-Rashidi explained that falling into the trap of fake pages has become a widespread issue. “Once victims are lured in, they are often asked to make payments and enter card details. That is when the theft takes place,” he said. He also advised users to verify suspicious links through specialized websites that help determine whether a URL is safe or potentially harmful.

In a recent case, a resident browsing Facebook came across what appeared to be a promotional offer. Believing it to be genuine, he engaged with the ad, which soon led him to communicate via WhatsApp. After reviewing the offer details, he proceeded to enter his bank details and completed a payment process, including entering a one-time password (OTP) received via SMS.

Shortly after, two unauthorized transactions totaling KD 75 were made from his account. He was then contacted by his bank, which flagged suspicious activity and promptly suspended the account as a precaution. The incident was reported to the concerned authorities.

Cybersecurity experts urge the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of online offers, especially when asked to share sensitive information or complete payments through unfamiliar platforms.