Multitudes of activated phone numbers served as tools for swindlers in Kazakhstan, facilitating their pursuit of simple profits.
In recent developments, Almaty police have detained a woman suspected of involvement in internet fraud schemes. The nature of the fraud remains unspecified, but it is believed to involve fake state officials and bank employees.
The woman is said to have mass-purchased SIM cards and mobile devices, which were then used to activate accounts in messaging apps. These activated accounts were later handed over to strangers, ensuring anonymity for the fraudsters.
Common SIM card activation schemes related to online fraud in Almaty typically involve fraudsters obtaining or activating SIM cards under another person’s identity to perpetrate scams, money laundering, or identity theft. Methods include using fake or forged documents, remote SIM activation or SIM swapping, phishing scams, impersonation, and receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) during fraud transactions.
Such schemes pose significant risks. Victims may unknowingly become part of scams, authorizing transactions or forwarding confidential information. SIM cards can be used to bypass authentication systems, leading to account hacks, financial theft, or reputational damage. Users may face legal trouble or investigation if their SIM card is linked to fraud. Personal data exposure leading to identity theft is also a concern.
To avoid becoming an unwitting accomplice, it is advisable to activate SIM cards only through authorized and official channels requiring strong identity checks. Avoid sharing personal documents or phone verification codes via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media platforms. Be cautious with online offers for SIM cards or phone services, especially with suspiciously low prices or unusual activation requests. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) that does not rely solely on SMS or calls, such as authenticator apps or hardware tokens. Regularly monitor phone accounts for suspicious activity or unexpected service changes. Report any unauthorized calls or suspicious requests to police or telecom regulators immediately.
Anes Kaldybaev, head of the Cybercrime Prevention Department at Almaty Police, issued a warning against offers to 'earn money at home' involving SIM cards, postal addresses, messaging app, or bank accounts. Such offers are often a front for criminal schemes, according to Kaldybaev, and should be approached with caution. The warning urges citizens to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
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