Fake officials defraud citizen of $170,000

Individuals posing as civil servants defrauded a citizen of $170,000, according to the Ombudsman of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights.

Citizen M.P. appealed to the Ombudsman, stating that in December 2024, under the influence of individuals who introduced themselves as employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, and the Central Bank, he transferred $170,000 in cryptocurrency. To make this payment, he sold his car and house, spent his savings, and even went into debt.

Following his official appeal to the Cybersecurity Center, a criminal case was opened. As a result of a joint investigation, the Cybersecurity Department managed to recover $115,000 (1 billion 434 million 625 thousand soums) from the Cryptostore in favor of citizen M.P.

In response, the Ombudsman urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow several safety measures:

•  Do not trust individuals who claim to be law enforcement officers or bank employees but call from personal numbers and request money or personal details.
•  Never disclose sensitive information such as passport data, ID cards, bank card numbers, PIN codes, or SMS codes over the phone.
•  Immediately refuse and report to law enforcement if persuaded to make payments in cryptocurrency.
•  Remember that state bodies and organizations operate only through official channels; always confirm information using trusted contact numbers.

It is worth noting that earlier in Tashkent, a security guard was arrested for attempting to recruit citizens to work at the airport and was accused of beating about ten people.