Teenagers being drawn into schemes: Interior Ministry warns Kazakhstanis

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a stern warning to its citizens and parents regarding the increasing involvement of teenagers in fraudulent schemes.

The ministry highlighted that minors are being enticed to register SIM cards and create accounts on messaging and social media platforms in exchange for rewards. These accounts are subsequently exploited by criminals to perpetrate fraud against other citizens.

Beibit Birzhanov, Head of the Cybercrime Combating Division at the Ministry, stated that activating accounts on social networks and messengers can serve as a tool for committing fraud and other illegal acts. He emphasized that under Kazakhstani law, such actions are classified as aiding and abetting a crime.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has provided several recommendations to the public. These include refraining from purchasing or distributing SIM cards and devices of questionable origin, and not allowing third parties to use personal accounts. Parents are specifically urged to educate their children about the legal liabilities and consequences associated with these actions. The ministry also advises against activating subscriber numbers in messengers for subsequent transfer of accounts and encourages reporting any suspicious devices or social media activity to law enforcement agencies.

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Scammers later use these accounts to make fraudulent calls to our citizens. Activating accounts on social networks and messengers can serve as a tool for committing fraud and other illegal acts. Under the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, such actions are classified as aiding and abetting a crime.