27.05.2025 10:50:00
Дата публикации
The Almaty Region Prosecutor’s Office, together with leading online platforms in Kazakhstan, has identified and blocked more than 5,000 accounts suspected of fraudulent activity.
Under the memorandum of cooperation signed with Kolesa.kz, Krisha.kz, and OLX.kz, a permanent information exchange mechanism has been established, along with a rapid response system to suspicious activity.
In addition to the already removed ads, about 7,000 more are currently under review.
Among the most common fraud schemes identified:
- Fake short-term rental listings
- Sale of vehicles and real estate at suspiciously low prices
- Offers of car part delivery requiring upfront payment
In all cases, scammers used fake photos and non-existent contact details.
These ads were often used to deceive users into transferring money for “reservations” or “delivery fees.”
Once the funds were received, the scammers disappeared, and their contact information proved to be fake.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that cooperation with online platforms was key to the success of this effort, allowing for quick detection and blocking of fake accounts and reducing damage to users.
There are ongoing discussions about expanding the partnership by involving telecom and fintech companies. Authorities hope that collaboration between the private sector and government agencies will lead to a more effective fraud prevention system.
Plans are also underway to upgrade internal moderation tools on the platforms to automatically detect abnormal behavior and identify repeat scammer registrations.
The Prosecutor’s Office urges citizens to verify information when engaging in online transactions and not to send money unless they are confident in the legitimacy of the offer, especially when advance payments or rentals are involved.
Eurasian Digital Foundation recommends that online platforms publish transparent policies on identifying fraudulent accounts. If automated algorithms are used, it's crucial to avoid unjustified blocking of honest users.
Regular public awareness campaigns and digital literacy initiatives are also encouraged.
Global practices show that when users build habits like verifying information, they are less vulnerable to fraud. Training programs, webinars, and social media campaigns can significantly reduce harm caused by dishonest users or even the platforms themselves.
(automated translation)
