Kazakh citizens warned about new scam

Tengrinews.kz – The Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned Kazakh citizens about a new fraud scheme involving booking apartments and hotels through popular online platforms, citing Polisia.kz.
According to the Ministry, fraudsters trick users into providing their bank card details even after they have already entered their information when booking accommodations. The scammers send fake requests asking clients to reconfirm their card details, which can lead to theft of funds.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs recommends citizens be especially cautious when planning trips and follow these safety measures:

Carefully check the website address — phishing pages may contain barely noticeable changes in the domain name.
Do not share bank card details in messages with landlords.
Be wary of offers with suspiciously low prices.
Review comments, posting dates, and how long the listing has been active — a long-standing listing is a sign of reliability.
Avoid full prepayment whenever possible, especially if you are unsure the property exists.
Do not click on suspicious links from messengers, social networks, or emails — they may lead to fake websites.
Use only trusted and well-known booking services.

Previously, the National Bank reported a rise in fraud cases targeting elderly people. Scammers impersonate employees of pension funds, insurance companies, police, or the National Bank, tricking victims into handing over money under the guise of recalculations, compensations, “secure accounts,” or urgent help for relatives.