^{Security Tips} Fraud Prevention

How to Protect Yourself from Fraudsters

General Safety Rules

• Verify information only through official sources.
• Do not rush to comply with requests received by phone, online, or through messaging apps.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Regularly update applications and operating systems on your devices.

If you become a victim of fraud

• Immediately report the incident to the police by calling 102 or through the "Submit a Report to the Police" section at https://qamqor.gov.kz/.
• Block your bank card through your bank or mobile banking application if there have been unauthorized transactions or attempted withdrawals.
• For assistance and support, you may contact the unified helpline 116.

Important: You can request the blocking of a fraudster’s bank account through the Anti-Fraud Center by reporting the incident to your Bank or the police.

Common Fraud Schemes

1. Calls from “Officials” or “Organizations”

Fraudsters impersonate employees of banks, police departments, prosecutors’ offices, economic investigation services, postal services, mobile operators, utility companies, and government agencies. They may claim there are "suspicious transactions," an "account breach," a need to update utility meters, renew a phone number, or collect a parcel. They then ask for verification codes or request money transfers.

Safety Tips:

• Never disclose passwords, PINs, CVV codes, or SMS verification codes.
• End the call and contact your bank directly using official contact details.
• Avoid keeping all your funds on a single bank card.
• There is no such thing as a "safe account."
• Do not trust photos, forms, logos, or titles displayed in messaging apps. Government authorities do not conduct investigations over the phone or contact citizens via WhatsApp.

2. A Call from a “Relative” May Be a Scam

Fraudsters may use voice-cloning technology to imitate the voice of someone you know and urgently request money for medical treatment, fines, or other emergencies.

Safety Tips:

• Call your relative or friend using their actual phone number.
• Ask a question that only they would know the answer to.
• Warn elderly family members, as they are often targeted by such scams.

3. Phishing SMS Messages and Fraudulent Links

Scammers send fake messages that appear to come from banks, online stores, or government organizations (such as 1414, eGov, QazPost, E-Salyq, the National Bank, etc.), directing recipients to counterfeit websites or requesting confidential information.

Safety Tips:

• Do not click links received via SMS, email, or messaging apps.
• Do not enter card details or personal information on unfamiliar websites.
• Install and maintain reliable antivirus software.

4. Malware and Malicious Applications

Fraudsters distribute malicious applications and advertisements designed to block access to your device or steal personal data.

Safety Tips:

• Download applications only from official stores such as Google Play and the App Store.
• Check reviews and verify the developer’s identity.
• Avoid suspicious websites and do not download files from unknown sources.
• Never install software at the request of strangers, even if they claim to be helping you set up your device.

5. Fake Online Stores

Criminals create fraudulent websites that imitate popular marketplaces and online stores (for example, Wildberries, Temu, and others).

Safety Tips:

• Shop only on trusted websites with a solid reputation.
• Carefully verify website addresses, as fraudulent sites may differ by only one letter or symbol.
• Read reviews and check seller ratings.
• Never make advance payments to unfamiliar accounts or bank cards.

6. Promises of Easy Money

Scammers often use fake endorsements or images of well-known individuals to promote "risk-free investments" and guaranteed high returns.

Safety Tips:

• Do not trust advertisements promising quick profits without risk.
• End communication immediately if anything seems suspicious.
• Verify information about companies through official sources and independent reviews.
• Never transfer money for "commissions," "activation fees," or similar charges.

7. Fake Charity Campaigns

Following disasters, tragedies, or widely publicized personal hardships, fraudsters may ask for donations using emotional appeals such as "Help pay for treatment" or "A family has lost their home."

Safety Tips:

• Do not click links received through SMS messages or messaging apps.
• Verify charities through official websites and trusted sources.
• Donate only through reputable charitable organizations, such as the Red Crescent and other recognized foundations.

8. “You Have Won a Prize!”

Scammers may contact you claiming that you have won a lottery, prize, or promotion and request payment for taxes, commissions, or delivery charges.

Safety Tips:

• Do not click links included in such messages.
• Do not provide personal information on unknown websites.
• Never transfer money to claim a prize, pay a tax, or cover delivery costs.

9. Employment and Business Opportunities

Fraudsters advertise high-paying jobs, remote work opportunities, or profitable business partnerships. Applicants are then asked to pay registration fees, commissions, or training costs before the scammers disappear.

Safety Tips:

• Do not follow links received through spam messages or suspicious advertisements.
• Never pay for employment opportunities, access to vacancy databases, or admission into a business venture.
• Verify employers and company websites through publicly available sources.

Where to Report Fraud

• Submit a report via the "Submit a Report to the Police" section on https://qamqor.gov.kz/.
• Call the police directly at 102.

Stay Informed

Additional information about emerging fraud schemes is available on the official Instagram page of the Cybercrime Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan: https://www.instagram.com/cybercrime.kz/.