Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstani citizens are being warned about alleged viruses spreading through photos and videos in messengers, according to Stopfake.kz.
WhatsApp users in Kazakhstan are once again receiving messages claiming that starting "tomorrow," sending photos and videos will become dangerous, as the files will supposedly contain viruses. The message also alleges that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) issued the warning and that calls from ISIS terrorists are expected. However, both of these rumors have long been debunked.
Such messages first surfaced in September 2022. At the time, Kazakhstan’s MIA dismissed these rumors.
"Messages claiming to be from MIA about unknown hackers launching viruses through images, cards, and videos that damage computers and phones are false and are considered fake news," MIA stated.
The second part of the message warns about calls from unknown numbers allegedly linked to ISIS (Daesh—a terrorist organization banned in Kazakhstan). It claims that if you call back, attackers can steal your contacts and bank card details. This myth has been circulating online for two years.
However, it’s important to remember that calls from unfamiliar numbers can be risky. Scammers often use a scheme involving calls from international numbers. If you call back, you could be charged a significant fee for the international call.
