Fake Online Store Scams in Kazakhstan
Fraudulent online shops and Instagram accounts in Kazakhstan collect Kaspi payments for electronics and clothing that are never shipped.
Part of: Fake Online Stores
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
E-commerce is booming in Kazakhstan, driven by Kaspi's seamless payment infrastructure and the widespread use of Instagram and Telegram for social commerce. Fraudulent sellers use these same channels to accept Kaspi payments from buyers and then disappear without shipping goods.
Kaspi's rapid payment system is convenient for legitimate transactions but also makes it easy for fraudulent sellers to collect funds and transfer them away before complaints are filed.
How this scam works on Kazakhstan
An Instagram or Telegram account posts attractive product images — electronics, branded clothing, cosmetics — at 20–40% below market price. Buyers contact the seller via DM or Telegram and are instructed to pay via Kaspi transfer before dispatch.
After payment, the seller initially responds with shipping confirmation or a tracking number, then goes silent. The profile is deleted or becomes inaccessible. Some sellers ship a low-quality substitute to delay a fraud report.
Kaspiy (local classified site) and other online marketplaces in Kazakhstan also host fraudulent listings from sellers who request advance Kaspi transfer.
Common red flags
- Prices dramatically below established Kazakhstani retailers
- Advance Kaspi payment required before any goods are seen or delivered
- Seller uses only a Telegram or Instagram profile with no verifiable business registration
- Delivery tracking number invalid or leads to a generic logistics page
- Account has recent creation date and limited history beyond product posts
- No cash on delivery option despite requests
How to protect yourself
- Use Kaspi Магазин (Kaspi Marketplace) rather than individual social media sellers — it offers buyer protection
- Insist on cash or Kaspi pay on delivery for high-value purchases from unknown sellers
- Search the seller's account name with 'мошенничество' (fraud) and 'Kazakhstan' before buying
- Verify seller identity through Kaspi's business seller badge if available
- Report suspicious Kaspi transfers to Kaspi Bank's fraud team promptly
How to report it
- Report to Kaspi Bank's fraud team with the transaction reference
- File a police complaint with the Kazakhstani Police's economic crimes unit
- Report the Instagram or Telegram account to the platform's abuse team
Frequently asked questions
Is Kaspi Marketplace safe for buying from individual sellers?
Kaspi Marketplace has buyer protection policies that individual Kaspi transfers do not. Using the marketplace rather than direct transfer significantly reduces fraud risk.