Kuwaiti Shopping Sites Targeted: A Surge in Bank Account Hacking Cases

Kuwaiti banks are facing a surge in hacking complaints, where fraudsters exploit local shopping websites to illegally drain customers’ accounts. Victims report unauthorized withdrawals linked to previous legitimate purchases. A dispute arises between banks and customers over accountability, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.

In recent reports, Kuwaiti banks are witnessing an alarming increase in customer complaints regarding sophisticated bank card hacking incidents. Fraudsters are exploiting legitimate local shopping websites, allowing them to illegally withdraw funds from victims’ accounts through unauthorized transactions, primarily traced back to foreign locations.

This latest hacking method specifically targets customers of well-known Kuwaiti e-commerce platforms. Victims recount making genuine purchases on these websites only to receive notifications of significant unauthorized withdrawals days later, traced back to transactions made in Italy, despite the victims being physically present in Kuwait.

The scam typically progresses as follows: first, customers attempt to complete contactless payments on potentially compromised websites. Next, they are prompted to input a one-time password (OTP) and informed that the transaction has failed. Subsequently, they are asked to re-enter their card details to finalize the purchase. Eventually, they discover alarming unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts.

This method of hacking is particularly dangerous as it capitalizes on vulnerabilities within local e-commerce systems, enabling fraudsters to replicate card information stored on customers’ devices. Utilizing this stolen data, attackers conduct multiple withdrawals, often reaching the card’s maximum limit before the victim realizes the theft, rendering customers unable to recover their funds in a timely manner.

There is a contentious debate between banks and victims regarding accountability. Banking officials assert that customers bear responsibility for security breaches by inadvertently sharing their OTPs, hence absolving banks and the Central Bank of Kuwait, as regulatory entities, from any obligation to compensate or assist in recovering lost funds.

Conversely, victims maintain that they adhered to proper procedures associated with contactless payments and were unaware of the compromised status of the websites they utilized. They note that some sites falsely claimed support for various payment services, which were not actually provided. This assertion, they argue, highlights the failure of the websites to secure their platforms adequately, shifting some responsibility away from the consumers.

In summary, the emergence of sophisticated bank card hacking through compromised Kuwaiti shopping websites poses a significant risk to consumers’ financial security. Victims are caught in a dispute with banks regarding culpability, as concerns translate into calls for improved protections and accountability from online merchants. Individuals are advised to remain vigilant and prioritize the security of their personal financial data.

Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com