Internet scammers have defrauded almost 18,000 Kazakh citizens in the first five months of 2025. Law enforcement recorded more than 10,000 incidents of fraud, with victims including pensioners and minors. Criminals are using three main schemes: calls from fake bank employees, fraudulent adverts, and bogus investments. The prosecutor's office is stepping up its efforts to combat the problem, but the main defence tool remains public awareness.
According to the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office, 22,870 cases of internet fraud were recorded in Kazakhstan in 2024. Meanwhile, from January to May 2025 alone, 10,145 people fell victim. Among those affected were 1,131 pensioners and 50 minors.
The capital remains the leader in the number of crimes: 1,548 cases of fraud were registered in Astana. It is followed by Almaty (1,114), Karaganda Region (868), Pavlodar Region (861), and Akmola Region (792).
Scammers most often call citizens, pretending to be "bank employees", or place fake internet adverts. In 2025, fraudsters used these schemes 2,118 and 2,104 times respectively. Investment scams remain a separate threat: fraudsters lure citizens with promises of quick profits, often in non-existent projects, and then take all their savings.
Identifying criminals is also complicated by the fact that many operate from territories of other countries. In this regard, the prosecutor's office is actively establishing cooperation with international partners to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Digitalisation and the low level of digital literacy among the population create fertile ground for fraudsters. Pensioners and elderly citizens often prove to be the most vulnerable, with many not immediately recognising the deception. As the prosecutor's office emphasises, vigilance on the part of citizens themselves remains the most effective way to counter fraud.
The department reminds the public of basic precautionary measures:
- Do not share personal data over the phone, especially SMS codes and bank card details.
- Check websites and adverts before shopping online. A secure address starts with https://, and a price that is too low should raise suspicion.
- Do not believe promises of quick money. Information about financial organisations can be verified on the website of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Do not pay deposits to unknown sellers. The safest option is to pay after receiving the goods.
- Do not send copies of documents to third parties, even via messengers. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- If you become a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to the police. Quick action increases the chances of recovering your money.
The prosecutor's office continues to coordinate with law enforcement agencies, banks and international bodies in order to curb the rise in crime in the digital sphere. However, the effectiveness of these efforts directly depends on the awareness and caution of citizens.
The editorial board of FBRK draws readers' attention to the need to remain vigilant when interacting with strangers, especially when it comes to sharing personal data or carrying out financial transactions over the phone. If you have any suspicions, it is recommended to contact your bank or the law enforcement authorities directly.