Kuwait Scams: Online, Investment & Consumer Fraud Guide
Common scams in Kuwait including cyber fraud, fake payment links, investment schemes, and phone impersonation fraud, with official reporting channels.
Emergency number: 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Kuwait has reported a surge in cybercrime cases in recent years, with phone impersonation fraud, fake payment gateways, and investment scams among the most prevalent. The Ministry of Interior's Cyber Crime Department (moi.gov.kw) is the primary reporting body. Expats and residents have been targeted by schemes mimicking government websites, banking portals, and social media platforms. The government regularly issues fraud warnings through official channels.
Common scams
- Fake payment links impersonating government or company portals
- Phone and WhatsApp impersonation of government officials
- Investment and crypto fraud via social media
- Online shopping fraud and non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial taxi drivers overcharging at Kuwait International Airport
- Fake luxury goods and counterfeit products
- Overpayment scams targeting expatriate workers
Online shopping scams
- Fake government payment portals collecting personal and financial data
- Phishing SMS and emails impersonating Kuwaiti banks
- Social media investment ads for fraudulent trading platforms
Job scams
- Fake domestic and professional job offers requiring upfront fees
- Fraudulent work-visa agents charging for non-existent placements
Romance scams
- Social media romance fraud leading to financial requests
- Dating-app grooming escalating to investment scheme involvement
Investment scams
- Fraudulent forex and crypto platforms promoted via WhatsApp groups
- Ponzi schemes promoted as Islamic finance or high-yield investments
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money has been transferred
- Report cybercrime to the Ministry of Interior's Cyber Crime Department at moi.gov.kw
- Call or WhatsApp the MoI cybercrime number 97283939
- Dial 112 in an emergency
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on the back of your card. Report cybercrime to the Ministry of Interior at moi.gov.kw — only use official .gov.kw domains when making online payments in Kuwait.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
How do I identify a legitimate Kuwaiti government website?
Official Kuwaiti government websites use the .gov.kw domain suffix. The Ministry of Interior warns that fraudulent sites often mimic official portals with slightly altered URLs. Always verify the domain before entering personal or payment information.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance