Crafty Swindlers Introduce Innovative Scheme
In a concerning development, new scam schemes are gaining traction in several countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Kazakhstan. These schemes manipulate victims by posing as legitimate companies or trusted entities, exploiting digital platforms for rapid outreach, and using social engineering tactics to extract personal details and money fraudulently.
One notable example is the Wildberries scam in Kazakhstan, where a fraudster posed as an investor promising rewards for investing in the Wildberries platform. The scam involved deceiving victims into handing over funds under the guise of investment opportunities, causing significant financial damage.
Similar scams often operate through online platforms like Telegram or social networks, where fraudulent checks or fake claims are sold to scam victims or laundered money. They use fake identities or stolen personal data to create credible fronts or shell companies, making their operations appear legitimate.
In Kazakhstan and the wider CIS context, these scams involve false promises of investment profits or rewards to lure victims. They also exploit victims' lack of awareness or digital security vulnerabilities. In some cases, they utilize international networks and sometimes flee abroad to evade law enforcement.
The scammers operate in a sophisticated manner, avoiding traditional methods such as calls from fake banks and requests to reveal SMS codes. Instead, they pose as law enforcement officers, such as from the KNB or a police investigator, or as a 'security specialist' from a bank. Upon calling the number, the victim speaks to a polite, calm, and knowledgeable individual who claims that the victim's card is being used by criminals and advises them to transfer their money to a safe account.
However, victims should be vigilant. Scammers don't ask for SMS codes; they 'warn' and make you act. They may also provide a number that appears to be from a real bank, with a signature saying "Security Service". Never scan QR codes unless you initiated the operation yourself. Verify the website address manually instead of clicking on links. If a number from an SMS starts with 8-800, do not call it. Only call the number on the back of your card.
Efforts to combat these scams include enhanced security procedures like facial recognition and ID verification in telecommunications to prevent unauthorized access and fraud. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and practice good digital hygiene to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
This report is based on data from VZO ProDengi, as reported by Liter.kz. It serves as a reminder for all internet users to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of any requests for personal information or money transfers. By staying informed and vigilant, we can collectively work towards minimizing the impact of these scams.
In the realm of cybersecurity, these fraudulent schemes in Kazakhstan, and the broader CIS region, not only breach personal details but also manipulate victims' personal-finance, often masquerading as legitimate entities or investments, such as the Wildberries scam. Meanwhile, technology, particularly modern platforms like Telegram and social networks, offers scammers an effective means to reach potential victims and launder money. Therefore, sustaining diligence in digital environments, as well as staying updated on financial technology developments, can safeguard individuals from such deceitful activities.
