A game within a game: a citizen becomes the victim of a "two-stage" fraud scheme

A game within a game: a citizen fell victim to a "two-stage" fraud scheme

In Andijan, a citizen fell victim to a "two-stage" fraud scheme: fraudsters, posing as a telecom company representative, a bank employee, and a Central Bank "lieutenant colonel," used an "attack and counter-attack" method to swindle him out of 80 million soums.

"You are our VIP client"

In the morning, Nozim Egamov (the victim's name has been changed) received a call from an unknown number. Wondering who it could be, Nozim aka pressed the green button. The caller began speaking in Russian:

- Hello. Is this Nozim Egamov?

- Yes.

- We are contacting you from the Beeline telecom company. You are our VIP client. Will you continue to use our company's services in the future?

- Yes.

- In that case, we need to extend the contract period. Where do you work?

- Why do you care where I work?

- We need to know where you work.

- I don't work anywhere!

Nozim aka got angry and, due to a suspicion that arose within him, decided not to disclose his workplace.

- We need to extend the contract so that your number is not deactivated. A 5-digit code will be sent to you now. You will tell us that code.

At this point, Nozim aka realized these were cyber fraudsters, pressed the red button on his phone, and ended the conversation.

In reality, this conversation was the fraudsters' move to lead the "prey" into the main trap, that is, part of the overall "strategy." They knew in advance that the "prey" would realize at this exact point that this was cyber fraud. That was exactly what they needed.

In the afternoon, the second stage began — the move to catch the "prey" in the main trap. Nozim aka received another call from an unknown number.