Online marketplace OLX advocates for limiting advertising to foreign regions
Swindling on the Kazakhstan Web primarily orchestrated by foreign users, says Almaty Police. The Almaty Police department has pushed OLX administrators to limit the advertising privileges of users not residing in Kazakhstan, according to Total.kz reports.
This recommendation arises from frequent occurrences of fraud associated with buying and selling, barter, and single transactions, primarily perpetrated by users hailing from other countries.
"Over 50% of online fraud incidents are traced back to the OLX platform in some form. Thus, a meeting ensued with the head of the platform, Marina Kim, to discuss measures that could reduce risks for users of the vast advertising platform moving forward. Our proposals included enhancing the user authentication process, advocating for authentication through biometric data or identity document photos, as SMS messages are easily bypassed by scammers utilizing SMS activation services. We also proposed adopting an IP address filter, or setting up a firewall, preventing users with foreign IP addresses from accessing the OLX app or site, as fraudsters frequently use VPN services to cloak their IP addresses. Lastly, we urged the retention of LOG files, not just for accounts with ads but also for those who viewed the ads, as fraudsters also behave as buyers, fishing for personal data by prompting suspicious links", underscored Deputy Chief of the Almaty Department of Internal Affairs, Rustam Abdrakhmanov.
While specific steps taken by OLX to curb online fraud in Kazakhstan remain unclear, general online scam avoidance strategies can provide valuable insights:
- Website Verification: Double-check a website's legitimacy before making any transactions. Websites offering abnormally low prices should raise suspicions. Ensure the site uses HTTPS and displays a secure padlock icon[3].
- Fraud Reporting: If you fall victim to online swindling or encounter such activities, immediately contact your bank, report the incident to local authorities, and retain all pertinent evidence. You can engage forensic and legal teams for further investigation[5].
- Platform Security: Some platforms, like OLX in Ukraine, champion secure payment methods and incentivize verified payment options, such as using a Visa card, as such measures can help deter fraud by requiring authenticated payment details[1].
However, these strategies do not detail OLX's Kazakhstan-specific security measures, such as IP address filters or LOG file maintenance. For such information, official OLX support or local regional security documentation would be the most accurate sources.
- Fraudsters, utilizing SMS activation services, have made over 50% of online fraud incidents traceable to the OLX platform, prompting a meeting with its head, Marina Kim, to discuss minimizing risks for users.
- Rustam Abdrakhmanov, Deputy Chief of the Almaty Department of Internal Affairs, proposed enhancing user authentication on OLX through biometric data or identity document photos, as well as preventing users with foreign IP addresses from accessing the platform.
- To avoid online scams, it's crucial to verify the legitimacy of websites, especially those offering abnormally low prices, and report instances of fraud to finance institutions, local authorities, and retain evidence.
- Some platforms like OLX in Ukraine encourage secure payment methods and incentivize verified payment options, providing an additional layer of security for users.
- For specific details regarding OLX's Kazakhstan-specific security measures, such as IP address filters or LOG file maintenance, official OLX support or local regional security documentation would be the most accurate sources.
