Tengrinews.kz - Dating platforms have become a tool for criminals, police warned after a series of similar crimes, according to Polisia.kz.
Almaty police stated that organized groups are using these platforms to target victims.
How the scheme works:
- Establishing contact: A woman or a group of women initiate conversations with young men, often presenting themselves as attractive and interested in a relationship.
- Invitation to meet: After chatting online, the women invite the men to meet in person, often in an apartment.
- Arrival of accomplices: During or shortly after the meeting, the woman's accomplices enter the apartment and threaten the victim with violence, sometimes using weapons or other means of intimidation.
- Robbery: The criminals steal cash, phones, jewelry, and other valuables from the victim.
- Forcing loans: In some cases, victims are coerced into taking out loans or transferring money to the criminals.
Police urged the public to stay vigilant when meeting people online.
"Be cautious when getting to know someone on the internet. Avoid meeting strangers alone in unfamiliar places, especially if invited to a private residence. If you become a victim of a crime, report it to the police immediately," the statement read.
Previously, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a warning about new fraud schemes related to cash-in-transit services.