National Bank warns Kazakhstanis about digital tenge scams

Tengrinews.kz — The National Bank of Kazakhstan has recorded a rise in fraudulent schemes involving offers to invest in the digital tenge. Scammers are spreading advertisements for a “state investment project,” promising high returns and support from the government and the National Bank.

How the scammers operate

On social media, citizens are lured to phishing websites under the pretext of a “limited offer” or a “last chance.”

“On fake platforms, the appearance of a personal account is created, showing ‘growing profits’ in order to encourage citizens to make repeated investments. As a result, the fraudsters deceitfully gain access to people’s money,” the National Bank said.

The National Bank reminds the public that the digital tenge is a legitimate form of the national currency and a means of payment, but not an investment instrument and not intended for generating profit.

Recommendations for citizens

• Check information only through official sources and do not follow suspicious links.
• Do not install remote access applications or disclose SMS codes or card details.
• Do not transfer money to third parties and ignore calls from unknown numbers.
• Remember that National Bank employees do not make audio or video calls, do not service individual bank accounts, and do not offer investments.

If you encounter fraud, you are advised to contact law enforcement immediately. Additional consultation is available through the National Bank’s contact center at the short number 1477.

What is the digital tenge

It is the third form of Kazakhstan’s currency, combining the properties of cash and non-cash money. Unlike ordinary non-cash funds, digital money can be used to pay for goods and services without internet access, and it can also be programmed, making the digital tenge a convenient, fast, and low-cost means of payment.