National Bank Publishes Fraud Schemes

In Kazakhstan, crimes involving the blocking of citizens’ payment cards have been on the rise, reports the National Bank. Fraudsters contact financial institutions pretending to be the cardholder, claiming the card is lost, and initiate its blocking. They then reach out to the actual owner, presenting themselves as bank security officers or law enforcement representatives.

“Under the pretext of ‘unblocking the card’ or transferring funds to a ‘secure account,’ fraudsters attempt to obtain confidential information such as SMS codes, internet banking passwords, or CVV/CVC codes,” the National Bank explained.

In case of a card block, citizens should only contact the bank’s official call center. The number is listed on the back of the card or in the mobile application. National Bank employees never request SMS codes, passwords, or ask users to install remote-access applications on their devices.

Additionally, fraud schemes near ATMs are also being reported. Fraudsters, claiming the card is blocked or the limit has been exceeded, ask for help with money transfers and promise a reward. The National Bank reminded that performing such operations may be considered illegal and could constitute “dropper” activity.