Online fraud cases in Kazakhstan are becoming more frequent, and even the most cautious citizens can become victims of fraud. The recent incident in the capital has become a clear example of how important it is to be vigilant when receiving messages from unknown persons.

Astana resident, having trusted “professional” scammers, lost 2.1 million tenge. The entire deception process was carefully planned and executed according to the classic scheme of “blocking the SIM card” and transferring funds to a “secure account.”

It all started with a simple SMS message in which the scammers stated that the SIM card had expired. To extend it, they asked the person to provide a secret code that was sent to the phone. Apparently, trustfulness and confidence that this is a standard procedure played a role — the Astana resident handed over the requested figures without hesitation.

But the story didn’t end there. Sometime later, he received a call from a “bank employee” who said that he had become a victim of fraud and that his money was at risk. To save them, he needed to transfer funds to a “secure account”. Shocked by what was happening, the man succumbed to persuasion and transferred 2.1 million tenge.

This case is far from an isolated one. According to the Astana Criminal Police Department, 160 people were prosecuted in the capital last year for participating in Internet fraud, which caused damage to the city residents in the amount of more than 4.5 billion tenge.

What do you need to know to avoid falling into the trap of scammers? A few simple but efficient safety rules:

• Don’t trust unfamiliar calls and SMS — scammers can use any scheme to get your data.
• Never share personal information over the phone — neither banks nor government agencies ask you to transfer money.
• If something seems suspicious, immediately stop talking and hang up the phone.
• Never click on links from suspicious messages or emails, even if they look like they are official.
• Check information through official channels. If they call you and tell you that your funds are at risk, then call the bank back.

Eurasian Bank customers can call the following numbers around the clock:
+7 (771) 000-77-22 — Beeline;
+7 (700) 000-77-22 — Tele/Altel;
+7 (702) 010-77-22 — Kcell/activ.

If you wish to file a complaint about fraudulent activities or for other reasons, fill out the form at the link: https://eubank.kz/feedback/