In the Kostanay region, police have identified a woman who, according to the investigation, activated SIM cards and granted third parties access to accounts in messaging apps. Such numbers could be used to call and message potential victims.
HOW THE ALLEGED SCHEME WORKED
Officers of the Department for Combating Cybercrime of the Kostanay Regional Police Department established that a 26-year-old female resident of the region was involved in activating SIM cards.
According to the police, after registering the numbers, she created accounts on the messaging app WhatsApp using them, and then handed over access to third parties. From such numbers, law enforcement notes, calls and mass messages can be sent to citizens.
The police explain that users of such accounts may pose as employees of banks, law enforcement agencies, or various organisations.
PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED IN CRYPTOCURRENCY
The investigation believes that the woman received a reward for activating the SIM cards. According to law enforcement, payment was made in cryptocurrency, after which the funds were withdrawn to bank accounts.
Other details of the financial transactions are not specified in the police materials.
WHAT WAS SEIZED DURING THE SEARCH
During the investigative actions, police officers seized:
- 6 mobile phones
- 3 tablets
- approximately 400 SIM cards from various mobile operators
These items, according to the police, could have been used to register and manage the accounts.
WHAT INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY
A criminal case has been opened on charges of fraud. Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting investigative actions and identifying possible accomplices.
The Kostanay Regional Police Department reminded that telephone scam schemes often use messaging apps and numbers registered to fictitious individuals. Citizens are urged not to disclose personal data or carry out financial transactions at the request of unknown interlocutors.