The main scams used by fraudsters. Top Scam Schemes (2026)
- A call from the Bank’s Security Service
Fraudsters pose as bank staff.
They claim that:
- a loan is being taken out in your name;
- your funds are at risk;
- you need to arrange a loan urgently, transfer the money to a ‘secure’ account, and so on.
Important: a real bank will never ask you to take out a loan to ‘protect your funds’.
2. A WhatsApp user with the bank’s logo
Fraudsters message via WhatsApp using a profile picture featuring the bank’s logo.
In the message, they:
- offer to ‘check the security of your account’,
- arrange ‘pre-approval for a loan’,
- or claim that ‘a loan has been mistakenly issued in your name’.
Important: The Bank does not conduct official correspondence via WhatsApp on behalf of individuals. This is 100% a scam.
3. Government assistance / eGov
Fraudsters promise payments, subsidies or assistance to those affected by emergencies.
Under the pretext of receiving these payments, you are asked to:
- enter your Individual Identification Number (IIN) and verification codes;
- download malicious apps;
- apply for a loan as instructed.
4. Joint operation with the National Security Committee (NSC) or the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)
The caller convinces you that you are a ‘victim of a scam’ and offers to help with the investigation.
You are asked:
- not to tell anyone;
- to arrange a loan, supposedly ‘to assist the investigation’;
- to hand over money ‘against a receipt’.
Important: the authorities do not involve members of the public in covert operations over the phone.
5. Free meter replacement by the housing and utilities department
The caller claims to be from the housing and utilities department and is calling regarding a meter replacement.
You are asked to:
- dictate a code to confirm your ‘application’;
- undergo biometric verification to confirm the “request”;
- download malicious apps.
Important: Housing and utilities staff will never ask you to provide biometric data or a confirmation code.
6. A call from a relative
The caller uses voice spoofing to imitate the voice of a relative (a child, sister, father, etc.).
You are asked to:
- share the verification code sent via SMS;
- transfer money, allegedly because of a ‘dangerous’ situation that has arisen;
Important: Stay vigilant and independently contact your relatives to confirm the information.