The capital's prosecutor's office has issued an important warning to citizens about common fraudulent schemes and provided recommendations on how to avoid becoming a victim of deception, reports infohub.kz.
Currently, the most frequent cases involve receiving advance payment under the pretext of providing services or performing work without subsequent fulfillment of obligations, deception in purchase and sale transactions, as well as theft of funds when renting out property.
Due to the development of digital technologies, internet fraud has become widespread. Criminals use social networks and messengers (Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram), fake websites, and phishing messages, gaining citizens' trust and taking their money.
Shakhriramadan Sultan, head of the department of the prosecutor's office of the Nura district, listed the most common schemes: receiving advance payment under the pretext of repair work or services with subsequent failure to fulfill obligations; obtaining money by offering tourist trips, air tickets, or hotel booking services without providing the promised services; posing as bank or government employees and convincing citizens to transfer money to a "safe account", disclose bank card details or confirmation codes received via SMS; concluding agreements via social networks for renting equipment, cars, and other property with subsequent illegal appropriation or non-return of property; posting false advertisements about renting out non-existent apartments or apartments belonging to other people in order to obtain a deposit or advance payment; offering fictitious investment projects, trading platforms, or paid training courses via the internet to take citizens' money; gaining access to messenger accounts via phishing links and then contacting the account owner's relatives and acquaintances on their behalf asking to transfer money.
The prosecutor's office urges citizens to be cautious about any dubious offers and not to share personal data, bank card details, or confirmation codes received via SMS with third parties.
"Do not disclose bank card details or confirmation codes received via SMS to strangers. In addition, it is necessary to be critical of offers that promise too profitable or easy earnings. The legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides for strict criminal liability for fraud. According to Article 190 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for fraud committed under aggravating circumstances, the guilty person may face penalties such as confiscation of property, deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities, as well as imprisonment for up to ten years," he added.