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The National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued a stern warning to citizens regarding a surge in phone scams that exploit the freezing of bank cards. These fraudulent schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, putting personal finances at risk.

New Tactics by Scammers

Criminals are now gathering personal information from open sources, including phishing websites, social media, and online marketplaces. They then impersonate customers by contacting bank call centers to report lost cards, leading to the immediate blocking of the accounts.

Following this initial step, the scammers contact individuals, posing as employees from bank security departments or law enforcement agencies. Their goal is to trick victims into revealing SMS codes, internet banking passwords, and CVV/CVC codes under the guise of 'restoring' the card or transferring funds to a 'secure account'.

National Bank's Recommendations

If your bank card is blocked, the National Bank advises contacting the official call center exclusively through the number on the back of your bank card or via the mobile application.

"We remind you that employees of financial organizations will never ask for passwords or codes from SMS messages, nor will they demand the installation of remote access to your device," the statement emphasized.

Furthermore, scammers may approach individuals near ATMs, claiming issues such as card blocking, damage, or exceeding limits, and then request the transfer of funds to third parties. Such actions are illegal and should be reported.

Protecting Your Funds

Citizens are urged to remain cautious and verify any suspicious requests. Always confirm the identity of the caller and the legitimacy of their claims through official channels before divulging any sensitive financial information.