Shyngys Alekeshev spoke about the most common types of Internet fraud that our citizens face.
The first is fraud through online trading by placing false advertisements. At the same time, they will always, according to him, demand advance payment for a product or service, after which they will disappear, leaving the buyer with nothing.
“Since the beginning of the year, more than 2,700 such cases have been registered. To avoid becoming a victim, beware of phishing sites: These fake sites masquerade as real sites to steal personal information and money. Always check the site address in your browser and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Make payment only after receiving and checking the goods,” he advises.
The second type is investment schemes to get rich quickly through investments. Since the beginning of the year, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 700 Kazakhstanis have become victims of such schemes, often investing their last savings or even taking out loans.
Third – telephone calls, allegedly on behalf of employees of banks and government agencies.
Fourth – scams via WhatsApp. In this case, scammers use popular instant messengers such as WhatsApp to convince citizens to transfer money to a “safe” account or apply for a loan.
“This year, about two thousand such cases have been registered. They may also ask you to install remote access applications and send SMS codes, which allows scammers to manage your finances,” says Alekeshev.
Another way is that using stolen data, scammers gain access to citizens’ personal accounts on eGov, from where they can steal valuable information and money.
“Always verify the authenticity of calls and messages, especially if you are asked to provide sensitive information. Bank and police officers never conduct special operations over the phone. In such cases, hang up and immediately report suspicious calls,” recommended the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Earlier, he told how much damage the scammers had caused to the people of Kazakhstan.
Pylyp is an experienced private banker and asset manager.