The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning over a surge in online fraud schemes involving fake offers for chalet rentals, hotel bookings, and travel tickets, which are being used to deceive citizens and residents.

Colonel Othman Mohammed Al-Gharib, Director of the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior, said scammers are exploiting seasonal demand and national events to circulate fraudulent links and messages aimed at stealing personal and banking information.

Speaking during an interview on Kuwait Television’s program “Good Morning Kuwait”, Al-Gharib noted that some fraudsters are also taking advantage of the Gulf Cooperation Council Unified Traffic Week by sending fake SMS messages urging recipients to pay traffic fines through unofficial links.

He stressed that traffic violations can only be settled through approved official platforms, including the Sahl App, the Ministry of Interior’s official application, traffic departments across the governorates, and designated service centers nationwide.

Al-Gharib warned that the summer season typically sees an increase in misleading advertisements on social media promoting unusually cheap chalet rentals and travel deals. These schemes, he said, rely on attracting victims with unrealistic prices before disappearing once payments are made.

He added that the Ministry of Interior continues to monitor fake accounts and fraudulent websites, working to identify offenders and refer them to the competent authorities.

The ministry also urged victims of online scams to immediately report incidents to law enforcement, stressing that public awareness and cooperation remain key to combating cyber fraud and protecting society from evolving digital threats.