State Security Service issues warning over suspicious foreign calls

The State Security Service has warned citizens of Uzbekistan about suspicious phone calls originating from foreign numbers.

According to the agency, analysis conducted by specialists has identified several key characteristics of such calls. These calls are not made through conventional telephone networks, but rather via the internet and specialized software. Fraudsters use these systems to conceal their real numbers and display fake numbers from any country on the recipient’s screen.

Because the calls are transmitted over the internet and the numbers are pre-masked, it is difficult for mobile operators to determine who initiated the call or from where it originated. In addition, such numbers are not listed in official databases, indicating that they are not linked to physical SIM cards but are instead temporary and artificially generated during the call.

The agency noted that these calls pose several risks to subscribers. Calling back such foreign numbers may result in the deduction of funds from the user’s mobile balance. Fraudsters may also impersonate representatives of various organizations in an attempt to obtain personal information or bank card details.

Answering such calls may signal that a number is “active,” potentially increasing the likelihood of further scam attempts. In some cases, a user’s voice may be recorded and later manipulated using artificial intelligence to deceive relatives or acquaintances.

The State Security Service urged citizens not to answer calls from unknown or suspicious foreign numbers, not to return such calls, to block these numbers, and to avoid sharing personal information with unknown individuals.