Advance-Fee Scams in Kuwait
Advance-fee fraud in Kuwait uses fabricated inheritance and government contract stories to extract repeated payments from residents and their overseas contacts.
Part of: Advance Fee Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Advance-fee scams targeting Kuwait's residents exploit the country's wealth narrative — the idea that large sums might legitimately flow to individuals through government contracts, oil industry deals, or Kuwait-based estates is plausible to outsiders and some residents alike. Scammers impersonate Kuwaiti lawyers, oil industry executives, and government officials in messages sent both within Kuwait and internationally.
The large Indian and other expatriate communities in Kuwait are also targeted with schemes in their native languages, promising access to Kuwaiti business opportunities that require small upfront payments.
How this scam works on Kuwait
Victims receive an unsolicited email or WhatsApp message claiming a relative or business partner died in Kuwait leaving assets that the victim — as the nearest traceable heir — can inherit for a fee. Alternatively, a 'Kuwaiti official' claims the victim has been selected to receive a share of unclaimed oil revenues or a government contract payment.
Each obstacle is resolved only by a new, slightly larger fee. Documents reference the [CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT], the [MINISTRY OF OIL], or fictitious but official-sounding law firms. After the victim pays the final fee, all contact ceases.
Some scammers target Kuwait-based expats who may forward the message to family members in their home country, extending the scheme's reach.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited message about inheriting money or receiving a government payment in Kuwait
- Fees required before any funds are released
- Documents mention real Kuwaiti institutions but have formatting errors
- Escalating fees with each payment
- Secrecy demanded — 'do not tell your employer or bank'
How to protect yourself
- No legitimate inheritance or contract payment requires the recipient to pay upfront fees
- Verify any claimed Kuwaiti institution through official directories before engaging
- Report to the Ministry of Interior CID before responding
- Block and report without further engagement
- Alert family members who may receive parallel solicitations
How to report it
- Report to the Ministry of Interior Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Kuwait
- File a complaint with the Public Authority for Industry if a business is impersonated
- Report via the Kuwait government e-services portal
Frequently asked questions
I received a message referencing real Kuwait oil company names. Is that suspicious?
Yes. Scammers routinely use well-known company names to add credibility. Verify any claim directly with the named company through their official contact details before paying anything.