**Beware: The Hidden Dangers of Financial Schemes!** Did you know that promoting financial pyramids could land you behind bars for up to 4 years? Discover how innocent dreams of wealth ...
– For promoting a financial investment pyramid, which includes the personal and direct dissemination of information publicly or through mass media, telecommunications networks, or online platforms that resulted in the involvement of individuals causing significant harm, a citizen faces a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison. It is important to understand that for creating and managing a financial pyramid, the penalty ranges from 5 to 12 years with asset confiscation. In the West Kazakhstan region, there have already been 6 cases involving women sentenced to 5 years in prison who, enticed by attractive images on social media, sought to become "successful," without considering that their prosperity would come at the expense of the ruined lives of others and their families, – reported Aysylbek Dyusenov, head of the Department of Economic Investigations for ZKO.
He also noted that to reduce citizen involvement in financial pyramids, educational programs aimed at raising public awareness are being implemented. These programs include seminars and informational campaigns that teach people how to recognize fraudulent schemes and protect their financial interests. Employees of the Department of Economic Investigations regularly conduct lectures at higher educational institutions and among labor collectives. Preventive measures are also being taken to prevent advertising and participation in financial pyramids at the initial stage. To date, 380 websites have been blocked, along with 6 groups on the WhatsApp messenger with 2,097 participants. Mechanisms are being established to allow citizens to file complaints and receive competent assistance for victims.
– The Financial Monitoring Agency has developed a chatbot called “BAIQA piramida” on Telegram, which helps citizens protect themselves from the actions of scammers enticing them into financial pyramids. In the chat, it is sufficient to enter the BIN of the company offering earnings or a link to its website, page, or social media group to receive information about the company’s affiliation with financial pyramids or the presence of such a risk. For citizens to reach out, a bot called “AFM Insider” has been created on Telegram, which guarantees anonymity and allows for company verification, enabling timely measures to prevent an increase in the number of investors. There is also an option for formal applications in the established order – at the duty station, through eOtinish, or by calling the AFM call center at 1458 or the hotline of the Department of Economic Investigations for ZKO at 8-7112-53-84-27, – noted A. Dyusenov.
The measures being taken to combat financial pyramids play a crucial role in protecting citizens and maintaining economic stability. Effective action against them requires a comprehensive approach that includes legislative initiatives, educational programs, and the use of modern information technologies. Awareness and active participation of citizens are also important factors in this fight.
Zhanna Balikova,