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Uzbek
In recent weeks, unusual ads have begun appearing on the OLX platform and various social networks. Residents of Uzbekistan are being offered the opportunity to “rent out” their bank card and phone number in exchange for easy income — up to $100 a week. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? However, behind this seemingly harmless scheme lie serious risks and involvement in cyber fraud. Such offers are traps set by cybercriminals, and agreeing to them can lead to catastrophic consequences. Let’s break down why participating in such schemes is not only illegal but also puts your safety and future at risk.
How does the scheme work?
One of these ads was shared by a user in the “Consumer.uz” community. He was scrolling through OLX and came across an interesting offer — to administer a chat for a good salary (500,000 soums per day). This is a typical bait from scammers — the promise of a high salary for simple work, aimed at attracting potential victims. The user contacted the advertiser but found out that the vacancy was already filled. However, he was offered another side job: to rent out his bank card and phone number. For this, they promised to pay in advance — $100 a week. When asked about the legality of the scheme, the advertiser confidently claimed that everything was absolutely legal.
Why is it dangerous?
When you hand over your data to scammers, they gain full access to your bank card and phone number, allowing them to use it for various criminal purposes:
- Money laundering: Scammers can use your banking details to conduct illegal financial transactions, launder stolen funds, and transfer them through different accounts.
- Phishing and data theft: With access to your phone number, cybercriminals can intercept SMS messages for bank transaction confirmations, log into accounts, and even hack social media or other online services.
- Creating fake accounts: Your data can be used to create fake accounts on various online platforms for fraud purposes.
- Loan fraud: Criminals can take out loans or credits in your name, leading to massive debts and a ruined credit history.
- SIM card misuse: Scammers operating abroad may use local SIM cards to make calls, pretending to be bank employees or security service representatives.
Why is this bad?
- You become an accomplice to a crime: Many Uzbeks who have fallen into such schemes are already being investigated as accomplices in cyber fraud. Not knowing how your data is being used does not exempt you from responsibility. Handing over personal data to third parties can be considered participation in a crime.
- Risk of losing all your funds: By giving out your banking details, you provide full access to your accounts. Scammers can not only use your card for their own purposes but also drain all the money from your accounts.
- Loss of trust from banks: If a bank finds out that you handed over your card to third parties, this may lead to account closures and your name being added to a blacklist. In the future, it will be extremely difficult to get a loan or open a new account.
How to avoid the danger?
- Never give your banking details and phone number to third parties. Even if you’re promised a good income or assured that it’s safe, remember that this is fraud.
- Be vigilant online. If you see such ads on platforms like OLX or on social media, do not respond to them and report suspicious accounts to administrators.
- Contact law enforcement. If someone has tried to involve you in such a scheme or if you’ve already fallen victim to it, report it to the police immediately. The sooner you report fraud, the better the chances of catching the criminals.
Renting out your bank card and phone number is not just a bad idea, it’s a direct path to serious legal problems and threats to your financial security. Stay vigilant and protect your data!
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
