Al-Fassam: Six key measures to protect bank cards

 

Kuwait, 24 January 2022: As part of its commitment to social responsibility, Gulf Bank is continuing to support and participate in the banking awareness campaign "Diraya" launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in cooperation with the Kuwait Banking Association. As part of its participation in the campaign, the Bank is continuing to publish educational materials and awareness leaflets on its social media platforms and digital channels.

 

Ahmed Al-Fassam, Cards Customer Service Manager at Gulf Bank, said, "We are keen to achieve the goals sought by the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking Association through the Diraya campaign, which aims to educate and raise customer awareness about their rights, including teaching customers how to protect their data and accounts, and the safe use of their bank cards."

 

Al-Fassam stressed the importance of customers’ protection and secure use of their banking data to prevent fraud, especially in light of the rapid development witnessed by local financial and banking services, and in keeping with the pace of the rapidly advancing global banking industry.

 

He pointed out that cards are among the most salient and prevalent banking services, and they vary according to their facilities and uses. Given that customers rely heavily on bank cards on a daily basis, caution must be taken in order to prevent falling victim to fraud; by following the instructions and advice that banks direct toward customers, fraud prevention is possible.

 

He advised customers to avoid writing their passwords on their cards. In addition, if customers would like to use their cards while traveling, they should request a statement of bank fees and commissions for the cards they intend to use, as there are fees for using bank cards outside the country.

 

He continued: "When using ATMs outside of Kuwait, customers must make sure that there are no foreign devices in them, as some devices are used to steal card data. Furthermore, when shopping online, prepaid cards are a convenient way to shop; however, customers should also take care not to deposit large amounts of money in their prepaid cards."

 

He noted that credit cards provide their users with special benefits, whether inside Kuwait or when traveling, such as the benefits of access to airport lounges, reward points, cashback or discounts from certain merchant stores.

 

Al-Fassam affirmed Gulf Bank’s keenness to protect its customers and their banking data, by following the best global cybersecurity policies, systems and protocols, with the continuous review of the Bank’s systems in keeping with global developments in both regulations and fraud prevention.

 

The Diraya campaign spans several topics, including the borrowing process, bank cards, cybersecurity, security tips, and services for customers with special needs. The campaign also aims to clarify the mechanisms for raising official complaints in an effort to protect customers’ rights, and also aims to highlight the banking sector's tasks and roles in stimulating and developing the economy.

 

Gulf Bank's vision is to be the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future. The Bank is constantly engaging and empowering its employees as part of an inclusive and diversified workplace in recognition of every employee’s role in delivering customer excellence and serving the community at large. With its extensive network of branches and innovative digital services, Gulf Bank is able to give its customers the choice of how and where to conduct their banking transactions, all while ensuring a simple and seamless banking experience. Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining a robust sustainability program at the community, economic, and environmental levels through sustainability initiatives that are strategically selected to benefit both the country and the Bank. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and works with the different relevant parties to achieve it.