How to Recognize Fraud Calls and Messages: Octobank’s Guide
Fraudsters in Uzbekistan are getting more sophisticated — their schemes now have two stages: phone calls and messages in messengers. Octobank explains how to recognize such scams and protect yourself.
How the Scheme Works
A new type of fraud is spreading in Uzbekistan, combining phone calls with messaging apps. According to the Central Bank, this method has become especially popular as citizens’ digital literacy has grown — simple phone calls alone are now less effective in deceiving people.
Stage 1: The “Operator” Call
The victim receives a call from someone claiming to be an employee of a mobile network operator. Under the pretext of renewing a contract, they ask leading questions and request confirmation of information. The main goal is to build trust and collect basic personal data, which will later help them move to the second stage.
Stage 2: The “Central Bank” Message
Some time later, the victim receives a message in Telegram. The account uses the Central Bank’s logo to appear official. The message claims either:
that a loan has been issued in the victim’s name and must be urgently “closed,” or
that a loan has already been processed and the victim must “complete the operation, or legal proceedings will begin.”
If the victim hesitates or refuses to follow instructions, the fraudsters threaten criminal charges for alleged participation in fraud. To increase pressure, they:
cite articles from the Criminal Code on the official portal lex.uz,
speak urgently and attempt to frighten the victim with consequences.
How to Tell If You’re Dealing with a Fraudster
Fraudsters | Genuine Security Staff, Bank, or Service Representatives |
Often hide their numbers, may call via messengers. The call may come from Uzbek or foreign numbers. | Call only from official bank or company numbers. |
Use threats, claiming your money is about to be stolen. | Speak calmly, politely, and without rushing you. |
Insist that you must not hang up under any circumstances. | Calmly agree if you choose to end the call. |
Ask for your card details or SMS codes. | May ask clarifying questions to confirm they’re speaking with you as the client. Never request any login credentials or account access details. |
Ask you to transfer money to another account or withdraw cash from an ATM. | Never ask for anything related to your money. |
If you are sure you are speaking to a scammer, simply hang up. The longer you stay on the line, the higher the chance the fraudster will persuade you to keep talking. After that, contact the bank or the company the caller claimed to represent and report the incident.
Remember, to avoid falling for scammers’ tricks:
Scammers try to throw you off balance — they rush you, scare you, and threaten you.
If you are sure you’re talking to a scammer, hang up immediately.
Do not install third-party applications.
Do not click on suspicious links.
Never share the following information:Card expiration date
SMS or push notification codes
PIN code
