It has been reported by the ombudsman's press service that cases of citizens obtaining loans from various commercial banks based on personal information have significantly increased in Uzbekistan.
It is noted that in 2024, the ombudsman received over 6,000 complaints from citizens regarding economic rights. 9 percent of these complaints are related to fraud cases. While the number of such complaints was 110 in 2023, this figure increased by 42 percent in 2024.
In 60 percent of the complaints, individuals who introduced themselves as representatives of Click company or Central Bank employees used citizens' personal information to arrange online loans. In some cases, loans were arranged from 5-6 commercial banks in the name of one individual.
Regarding these complaints, the investigators of the Internal Affairs bodies sent orders to the commercial banks stating that these citizens did not use the loan funds themselves and that they were recognized as civil claimants, as well as to suspend the loan obligations and interest calculations until the guilty parties are identified.
Article 36 of the Criminal Procedural Code stipulates that the written orders and decisions given by the investigator in their case are mandatory for all enterprises, organizations, officials, and citizens. However, despite this, banks continue to demand repayment of loans from citizens who have been defrauded.
Based on the complaints in this area, the ombudsman filed 5 lawsuits in the interests of citizens in civil courts, and the loan agreements made with the banks were declared invalid. The loan funds taken in the name of one citizen were returned for their benefit, and moral damages were awarded.
It is noted that the increase in complaints related to problems in this area is mainly due to the carelessness of the population, insufficient information security, and lack of economic knowledge.
“It is essential to remember that as information technologies develop, new methods of fraud and deception are also being devised,” the ombudsman stated.
Additionally, it was recommended to follow the following advice to avoid fraud:
- Do not disclose personal information such as passport details, bank card numbers, and PIN codes to anyone;
- Avoid sending your personal information on social networks or to unknown individuals;
- Do not share confirmation codes, passwords, or access information for banking applications received on your phone with anyone;
- Do not download unknown files, documents, or links received via social networks or email (they may contain viruses or malware);
- Do not answer calls and video calls from unknown numbers, especially foreign numbers;
- If someone introduces themselves as a bank employee or a representative of another organization, verify their identity through official channels;
- Be alert and cautious.
Due to the increase in the crime of obtaining online loans in the name of citizens by fraudsters, a temporary procedure for issuing online loans in banks was established from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. According to the information provided by the Central Bank, in 2024, material damage amounting to nearly 15 billion soums was caused in 463 cases through the issuance of online loans in the name of citizens by fraudulent means.
