Many internet users are becoming victims of online fraud.  At Gulf Bank, we have taken every step to ensure a safe and secure service by using industry standard technology and practices.  However, you should be aware of the latest phishing scams which exploit your good faith, so you can recognize and report any phishing attempts and protect yourself.  Please read below for more details

 

What is Phishing?

 

The term 'phishing' comes from 'fishing', where bait is used to catch fish ? in this instance the e-mail is used as the bait in phishing.  Phishing is the latest scam used by fraudsters to 'fish' for sensitive and personal information from you - eg: your security credentials to access your online banking. 
 
It's usually a combination of a fake e-mail that contains fake web links to imposter websites.  The e-mail will appear to come from your bank or financial organization that you are registered with and will ask you to click on a link and/or to confirm your access details - this is how they obtain your details - never provide this information.

 

How do they obtain my e-mail address? 

Gulf Bank does not share your e-mail address. Fraudsters buy and swap lists of e-mail addresses.

 

How do they know I bank with Gulf Bank? 

They simply don't know - phishing e-mails are sent to a large number of people in the hope that a small percentage of these people will actually have an account with the organization ? they rely on this.

 

How do I know that the e-mail isn?t from Gulf Bank when it says it is?
 
Gulf Bank uses the secure Mailbox feature within our 'Personal Online Banking' site to contact you.   If we do contact you by e-mail, we will never request from you to divulge personal and/or security details - this is what a typical phishing e-mail will do to obtain your security/access details.
 
Always remember - your online banking login is through our official website - whenever in doubt, simply go to our website and login as you normally would do.

 

What steps do I take if I receive a suspicious e-mail? 
 
If you have any doubt, simply delete the e-mail without even opening it - please apply this precaution to any unexpected emails with links or attachments -  never respond to the e-mail.
 
If you are suspicious of an email that appears to come from Gulf Bank, please report it to phishing@gulfbank.com.kw or 1 805 805.

 

Protect yourself from Phishing. NEW

 

Ensure that your desk/laptop is equipped with Internet Explorer Version 8 or higher:

 

Step 1 - Click the 'Safety' tab on the upper right hand corner of your screen

Step 2 - Select and click 'SmartScreen Filter'

Step 3 - Select 'Turn On SmartScreen Filter'

Step 4 - A new window will open. Select option 'Turn On SmartScreen Filter'

Step 5 - Click 'OK'

 

For Further Security Tips, check the link bar of your browser. The Gulf Bank Online Banking link starts with https://online.e-gulfbank.com/gbkretail/RetailLogin.html, a phishing link will never start with https://

 

You are now safe from phishing scams!

 

Key Hints and tips:

• Personal or confidential information should never be submitted in response to an "urgent" email.

• Never provide sensitive data when filling out surveys and feedback forms.

• Always ask questions, it's better to be safe than sorry, so if you are suspicious call the organisation that the email appears to be from and ask them if it's legitimate.

• Always use security software with an anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall features to protect your computer.