According to 24.kg, in 2025 residents of Kyrgyzstan lost more than 826 million som to online fraud. Only a small share is ever recovered: people often notice a card charge a day or two later, while fraudsters move the money within hours. The best protection is knowing the schemes in advance.
1. “Just pay in advance”
On social media or a classifieds site a product is much cheaper than at the bazaar. The “seller” rushes you — it’s about to sell out — and asks for a prepayment to a card. After the transfer, they disappear. Protection: place and pay for orders on the marketplace itself, where the order number, seller details and messages are kept.
2. Fake payment link
You receive a link “to pay” or “to receive money”. The page looks like your bank’s website, but the address is different. Enter your card details and the money is gone. Protection: never enter card details via a link from a message; use only your bank’s official app.
3. “This is your bank calling”
A “security officer” reports a suspicious transaction on your card and asks for an SMS code or the code on the back of the card. Protection: banks never ask for codes. Hang up and call the bank’s official number yourself.
4. “A relative in trouble”
Fraudsters call elderly people, imitate the voice of a grandson or son, describe a car accident or a fight and urgently ask for money to “sort things out”. Faking a voice with artificial intelligence has become easier. Protection: agree on a family “code word” with your parents; after such a call, always call your relative back yourself.
5. A fake boss or acquaintance in a messenger
A new WhatsApp or Telegram account with the photo of your manager, teacher or friend asks you to transfer money or share personal data. Protection: confirm any such request by calling the old number you know.
6. “You’ve won”
A message announces a prize, a win or a “state payment” — to receive it you must pay a “fee”. Protection: real winnings never require an upfront payment.
7. Easy money and “investments”
You are offered work from home earning several thousand som a day, or an investment with “guaranteed returns”. At first they pay out a little, then persuade you to invest a large sum. Protection: guaranteed high returns are a sign of fraud.
8. When you are the one selling
You are selling something and the “buyer” asks for your full card details or an SMS code “to send the money”. Protection: to receive a transfer, a card or phone number is enough; never share codes.
General rules to protect your money
- In your banking app, disable online payments on your main card and pay online with a virtual card.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your banking app.
- Never share an SMS code, PIN or CVV — not even with a “bank employee”.
- If someone is rushing you, stop. Urgency is a fraudster’s main tool.
- If you have been deceived, call your bank at once, block the card and contact the police.
Shopping online safely
Buying on a reliable platform lowers the risks considerably. On Soodahub every seller is verified before they start selling, only real buyers can leave reviews, and payments and orders are recorded on the platform. More on Buyer protection.
Sources: 24.kg (losses from online fraud in 2025), economist.kg (March 2026, schemes and advice).