MBANK warns of a new type of fraud: be careful!

OJSC ‘Commercial Bank of Kyrgyzstan’ | MBANK jointly with the Prosecutor's Office of Bishkek city and the Main Department of Internal Affairs is warning citizens about a new means by which attackers try to access their financial data.

Fraudsters send via messengers a file with the .apk extension but with the name ‘photo’. The message usually contains the text: ‘Is that you in the photo?’ or “You've been recognised in this photo”. Such a file generates interest but is an installation file for malware.

Once the file is opened, the virus infiltrates the device, bypassing even two-factor authentication and gaining access to personal data, including financial assets. This way, fraudsters can steal money from your accounts, bypassing many layers of protection.

Thus, according to the latest data, since January 2024, the automated information system ‘Unified Crime Register’ has registered more than 1,288 reports concerning actions related to the MBANK application of OJSC ‘Commercial Bank KYRGYZSTAN’, based on the results of verification of which 550 criminal cases on fraud have been initiated.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THIS TYPE OF FRAUD?

Never open suspicious files. If you are sent a message with an unfamiliar file or link, do not open it without confirmation from the sender, even if the message looks like from a familiar person.

Do not install files with the .apk extension. These are installation files. They may contain viruses, especially if they come from unknown sources.

Check messages with unexpected attachments carefully. Scammers often use social engineering to play on curiosity or fear. If a message seems suspicious or unexpected to you, don't interact with it.

Disable installation of apps from unknown sources. This will limit the possibility of malware being installed on your device. You can find an option in your phone's settings that prevents the installation of apps downloaded from other than the official shop.

Following these recommendations will help you significantly reduce the risk of falling into the trap of fraudsters and ensure the safety of your finances and data.

OJSC ‘Commercial Bank of Kyrgyzstan’| MBANK with the Prosecutor's Office of Bishkek city and the Main Department of Internal Affairs urge their clients to be vigilant and careful!
If you have become a victim of fraudsters, immediately contact law enforcement authorities to take immediate action.