The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has officially banned local banks from using instant messaging apps like WhatsApp to communicate with customers, citing concerns over their reliability, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
The decision aligns with Saudi Central Bank’s (SAMA) regulatory authority and its commitment to improving financial institutions’ practices while minimizing risks. Banks have been instructed to explore secure alternatives, such as in-app Live Chat or Chatbot services, ensuring compliance with personal data protection requirements.
Saudi Central Bank warns that financial institutions must implement these measures, educate their employees—especially those in branches, customer service, and marketing—and conduct assessments to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, the Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks has issued fresh warnings about fraudsters impersonating charities or public figures to deceive victims via social media and instant messaging platforms. These scams often involve fake documents and seals, tricking individuals into paying fees in exchange for supposed financial aid.
The committee reiterated that legitimate organizations do not seek donations or beneficiaries through social media or messaging apps. Rima Al-Qahtani, head of fraud control at the Arab National Bank, emphasized that no official body requests fees, adds beneficiaries, or demands payments to provide donations.
Secretary General of the Media and Awareness Committee, Rabah Al-Shemaisi, urged the public to ignore any requests for payments in exchange for donations or services. Fraud cases of this nature are on the rise, prompting banks to advise customers against transferring funds to suspicious parties.
Customers are encouraged to use the secure SADAD system to make official bill payments. In case of fraud, immediate reporting to the bank is advised to facilitate recovery efforts. These warnings are part of ongoing national awareness campaigns by Saudi banks to combat financial fraud and protect customers.
