National Bank warns Kazakhstanis

Tengrinews.kz – The National Bank has warned Kazakhstanis about a rise in phone fraud cases involving unauthorized blocking of bank cards.
Fraud scheme
The scammers use people’s personal data collected from open sources – phishing websites, street surveys, social networks, and online marketplaces. Then they call bank contact centers posing as clients and report a “lost card,” which leads to its immediate blocking.
After that, the fraudsters call citizens, introducing themselves as employees of the bank’s security service or law enforcement agencies. Under the pretext of “unblocking the card” or transferring money to a “safe account,” they try to obtain SMS codes, online banking passwords, and CVV/CVC codes.
Recommendations from the National Bank
If your card is blocked, you should contact only the official call center of the bank using the phone number on the back of the card or via the mobile app.

“We remind you that employees of financial organizations never ask for passwords or codes from SMS messages, and they do not ask you to install remote-access applications on your mobile device,” the statement says.

Scammers may also operate near ATMs, referring to “card blocking,” card damage, or exceeded limits. They ask people to transfer money to third parties, promising a reward. Such actions may be considered “dropping” (acting as a money mule) and are illegal.
How to protect your money

Do not give your card or its details to strangers.
Do not transfer money to unknown persons.
Double-check any information using the official call-center numbers of second-tier banks.
Remember that the National Bank does not make audio or video calls, does not service individuals’ accounts, does not offer investments in mutual funds or other financial products, and does not provide insurance or settlements with the population.