Fraud related to loan applications increases by 42% — Ombudsman

According to the report, over 6,000 complaints related to economic rights were received by the Ombudsman from citizens. Of these complaints, 9% were connected to cases of fraud. 

There has been a significant rise in cases where loans were issued from various commercial banks using citizens' personal information. In 2023, the number of such complaints was 110, while in 2024, this figure increased by 42%. 

In 60% of the complaints, individuals posing as employees of the "Click" company or the Central Bank used citizens’ personal data to arrange online loans. In some instances, multiple loans (5–6) were issued under the name of a single individual from various commercial banks.

"In response to these complaints, investigators from the internal affairs bodies have issued directives to commercial banks, stating that the affected citizens did not utilize the loan funds themselves and should be recognized as civil claimants. Furthermore, until the responsible parties are identified, the calculation of interest and debt repayments on these loans should be suspended," the Ombudsman’s statement reads.

According to data provided by the Central Bank, in 2024, fraudulent online loans caused approximately 15 billion UZS in damages across 463 cases. 

It is important to note that as information technology advances, new methods of deception and fraud are continuously being devised. To ensure information security and protect yourself from fraud, the following recommendations are advised— Do not disclose personal information such as passport details, bank card numbers, or PIN codes to anyone. 

— Avoid sharing personal information on social media or with unknown individuals.
— Do not share verification codes, passwords, or login details for banking applications with anyone.
— Do not download unfamiliar files, documents, or links received via social media or email, as they may contain viruses or malware.
— Avoid answering calls or video calls from unknown numbers, especially foreign ones.
— If someone claims to be a bank employee or representative of another organization, verify their identity through official channels.