Scammers are increasingly calling Kazakh citizens, posing as utility workers. Under the pretext of registering heat meters, updating documents, processing benefits, or checking debts, they try to gain access to bank accounts and personal data, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Interior Ministry, during the conversation the fraudsters persuade the person to provide the SMS code sent to their phone. This code gives them access to banking apps, government service accounts, and other personal information.
“With the SMS code, scammers can try to log into a banking app; gain access to government service accounts; or commit illegal actions in your name,” the Interior Ministry warned.
Police emphasize that real utility workers never ask for SMS codes, bank card details, or other confidential information over the phone.
“If you receive such a call, it is best to end the conversation immediately. If in doubt, call the organization back using the official number. Also, do not follow links or install apps at the instruction of strangers,” police advise.
Law enforcement recommends informing relatives, especially the elderly, about the new scheme, as they are more often targeted by phone scammers.
Police remind that just one SMS code can be enough for fraudsters to access your accounts and steal money.
Since the beginning of the year, police have managed to return 4.8 billion tenge to defrauded Kazakh citizens.
Earlier, "Kursiv" reported on how scammers in the crypto industry use the honeypot scheme, which allows investors to easily buy a token but makes selling it impossible.