The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has officially prohibited local banks from using instant messaging applications like WhatsApp for customer communications, citing security vulnerabilities and reliability concerns. The decision aligns with SAMA’s broader regulatory framework aimed at strengthening cybersecurity standards within financial institutions.
Banks are now required to transition to more secure alternatives, such as in-app Live Chat and ChatBot services, while ensuring strict compliance with personal data protection regulations. Additionally, financial institutions must educate employees across branches, customer service departments, and marketing teams to enforce the new directives effectively.
Crackdown on Financial Fraud
In a parallel effort to safeguard customers, the Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks has issued warnings about rising fraud cases involving scammers posing as charitable organizations and public figures to solicit fake donations via social media and messaging apps. Fraudsters frequently use counterfeit documents and official-looking seals to deceive victims, often requesting fake processing fees for financial assistance.
Rima Al Qahtani, head of fraud control at the Arab National Bank, stressed that legitimate organizations never demand payments or fees to process donations. She urged customers to use the secure SADAD system for bill payments and to report any suspicious activity to their bank immediately.
These measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud through national awareness campaigns, reinforcing security protocols and vigilance against cyber threats in the banking sector.
