First 24 Hours After a Scam in Kuwait (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Three jobs in parallel. Call your bank's fraud line. File the cybercrime complaint with MOI Cyber Crimes Department at CID. Preserve evidence.
Emergency: 112.
When does it apply?
- Unauthorised debit / credit card or online-banking transaction on your Kuwaiti bank account.
- Tricked into authorising a transfer by impersonation.
- OTP or m-banking login disclosed to a caller.
- SIM-swap fraud.
- Sextortion or NCII.
What to Do in the First Day After Being Scammed
- Call your bank's fraud line. Number from the card or official app. Demand a written reference number.
- File at MOI Cyber Crimes Department. In-person at the CID HQ in Kuwait City, or via the MOI cybercrime portal.
- For SIM / telecom scams, file at CITRA.
- Preserve evidence. Cloud-save immediately.
- Change passwords; switch to authenticator-app 2FA.
- Write a one-page timeline.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't share OTP or banking credentials with anyone.
- Don't pay 'recovery agents' upfront.
- Don't delete WhatsApp threads, call logs, or fraudulent SMS.
- Don't post scam details on Kuwaiti social media before the report is filed. Cybercrime Law 63/2015 covers public commentary.
About Scams, Fraud & Money Recovery in Kuwait
Kuwait's scam-recovery system runs across three institutions. The Cyber Crimes Department within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ministry of Interior investigates cybercrime under Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Information Technology Crimes (effective 12 January 2016). Penalties include up to 10 years' imprisonment for certain offences (Article 7); up to 3 years and KD 3,000 fine for some defamation / insult offences. For the money side, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) Consumer Protection Unit oversees bank handling of complaints. Telecom-side issues fall under CITRA (Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority).
Emergency: 112 (police).
Common Questions
What is the MOI Cyber Crimes Department?
The Cyber Crimes Department within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of Kuwait's Ministry of Interior. Statutory framework: Cybercrime Law 63/2015. Primary criminal investigator for online fraud, hacking, identity theft, and content offences.
Penalties under Cybercrime Law 63/2015?
Up to 10 years' imprisonment for serious offences under Article 7 (publication of incitement to overthrow regime); up to 3 years and KD 3,000 for some defamation / insulting religious beliefs / state-figure offences; up to 1 year and KD 20,000 for religious-blasphemy-style offences.
Does CBK take direct consumer complaints?
CBK Consumer Protection Unit accepts escalated complaints after the customer has raised the matter with the bank first. CBK can require corrective action and impose penalties on financial institutions.
What is the first 24 hours after being scammed right in Kuwait?
Three jobs in parallel. Call your bank's fraud line. File the cybercrime complaint with MOI Cyber Crimes Department at CID. Preserve evidence.Emergency: 112.
When does it apply — first 24 hours after being scammed?
Unauthorised debit / credit card or online-banking transaction on your Kuwaiti bank account.Tricked into authorising a transfer by impersonation.OTP or m-banking login disclosed to a caller.SIM-swap fraud.Sextortion or NCII.
What should I do immediately after being scammed in Kuwait?
Call your bank's fraud line. Number from the card or official app. Demand a written reference number.File at MOI Cyber Crimes Department. In-person at the CID HQ in Kuwait City, or via the MOI cybercrime portal.For SIM / telecom scams, file at CITRA.Preserve evidence. Cloud-save immediately.Change passwords; switch to authenticator-app 2FA.Write a one-page timeline.
What should you NOT do — first 24 hours after being scammed?
Don't share OTP or banking credentials with anyone.Don't pay 'recovery agents' upfront.Don't delete WhatsApp threads, call logs, or fraudulent SMS.Don't post scam details on Kuwaiti social media before the report is filed. Cybercrime Law 63/2015 covers public commentary.