The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has banned local banks from utilising instant messaging applications like WhatsApp for customer communication due to concerns regarding reliability and security risks, Gulf News reported.

Banks are encouraged to adopt safer alternatives, such as in-app Live Chat or ChatBot services while ensuring compliance with personal data protection regulations.

SAMA has mandated that employees across various branches, customer service, and marketing departments receive training on such new directives.

In related news, the Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi banks has raised alarms over an increase in fraud cases, where scammers impersonate charitable organisations and public figures to solicit fake donations through social media and messaging apps.

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Rima Al Qahtani, head of fraud control at the Arab National Bank, stressed that no official entity requests fees for facilitating donations. Customers are advised to utilise the secure SADAD system for bill payments and to report any fraudulent activities to their banks immediately.