Bouquets of flowers and photos: National Bank warned Kazakhstanis about new schemes

Tengrinews.kz - The National Bank of Kazakhstan has warned about new schemes, according to an official statement.
The National Bank alerted citizens about new tactics used by criminals to gain access to personal data and bank accounts of Kazakhstanis.

"Citizens receive bouquets of flowers without the sender's name, after which the criminals contact the recipient, posing as courier service employees and asking to confirm the delivery using a code from an incoming SMS message.
Additionally, cases have emerged involving the delivery of postal packages. Citizens receive SMS messages or malicious links for 'receiving an order at the post office,' where they are asked to enter their personal data. As a result, criminals may gain access to personal information on the phone, including banking apps," said the statement from the National Bank's press service.

Kazakhstanis were also warned that criminals are sending malicious software via messengers disguised as photographs.

"When attempting to open and view the photo, an installation file (with the "APK" extension) is launched. This allows the criminals to take control of the mobile device and block access to it.
Moreover, criminals use artificial intelligence technologies to mimic the voice or video of close relatives. They call or message, pretending to be relatives or acquaintances, and under various pretexts, ask for money transfers, to click on a link, download an app, activate new features in a messenger, or share personal information," the official statement reads.

Given the increasing number of fraud cases involving mobile devices, the National Bank urges citizens to remain vigilant and not share confidential information with third parties, to avoid suspicious phone calls, to double-check the authenticity of requests, not to open dubious links and files, and not to install remote access applications like HopToDesk, RustDesk, RUDesktop, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and others.

"To prevent fraudulent actions by third parties, the National Bank of Kazakhstan recommends ending calls from individuals claiming to be from government agencies or the National Bank, and if necessary, contacting the relevant government agency independently using the official phone number.
If you encounter fraudulent activities, we strongly recommend submitting a report to the law enforcement authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan," says the National Bank's press service.

For consultations, please contact the National Bank's contact center at the short number 1477.