Fake Police Scams in Kuwait
Criminals impersonating Kuwait police and government officials pressure residents and expats into immediate payments to avoid fabricated legal consequences.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Authority impersonation scams are reported among Kuwait's large expatriate community. Callers claiming to be Ministry of Interior officers, immigration officials, or customs agents allege criminal activity linked to the victim's accounts or identity, demanding immediate payment to prevent arrest or deportation.
Expats in Kuwait who depend on their employer or sponsor for their residency status are particularly vulnerable to threats about visa cancellation.
How this scam works on Kuwait
A call arrives from a spoofed number appearing to be from an official department. The caller references real department names and uses formal Arabic or English. The victim is told their bank account is linked to money laundering or their residency documents have violations, and must pay immediately to resolve the case.
Payment is directed to a personal account or the victim is instructed to purchase gift cards and read out the codes. Any attempt to verify independently is met with escalating threats of immediate arrest or deportation.
Expats unfamiliar with Kuwaiti legal procedures may not know that legitimate government agencies do not collect fines by phone.
Common red flags
- Unexpected call claiming your accounts or identity are under criminal investigation
- Demand for immediate payment via bank transfer or gift card to avoid arrest
- Caller discourages hanging up to verify independently
- No verifiable reference number or formal written documentation offered
- Threats calibrated specifically to the victim's circumstances — residency status, employment
How to protect yourself
- Kuwait authorities do not collect fines or fees by telephone
- Hang up and call the Ministry of Interior directly at the number on moi.gov.kw
- Do not transfer funds or purchase gift cards based on any unsolicited phone demand
- Report the spoofed number to Zain, STC, or Ooredoo Kuwait
- Consult your employer's PRO (public relations officer) if residency-related threats are made
How to report it
- Report to the Ministry of Interior CID Cybercrime Unit in Kuwait
- Contact your telecom operator to report the spoofed number
- File a report via the Kuwait government e-services complaint portal
Frequently asked questions
My employer's PRO said my visa status is fine. Should I trust the caller anyway?
Trust your PRO's independent verification over the caller. A real government issue would be communicated through your sponsor and verifiable at the Ministry of Interior in person.