Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has officially denied rumors circulating on social media about alleged automatic deductions from bank cards after answering calls from unknown numbers.

The regulator emphasized that such claims are unfounded, and that banking mobile apps and payment systems are equipped with reliable security mechanisms to prevent fraudulent activities.

To register in banking applications, users must go through several steps: provide a phone number, enter a one-time SMS code sent to this number, and undergo biometric identification.

Only after these steps can a bank card be linked to the app. To successfully link the card, the operation must be confirmed with a one-time SMS code, and the phone number and card details must match. Otherwise, the linking process will be rejected. Additionally, the use of the linked card for new users is only allowed one hour after registration is completed.

The Central Bank warns that the risk of unauthorized deductions arises only if confidential information (login, password, or one-time SMS codes) is shared with third parties or if malicious apps are installed from unreliable sources, such as through links in messaging apps.

Since 1 November 2024, the Central Bank has introduced additional security measures to prevent fraud in the process of applying for online loans.

The Central Bank strongly recommends that citizens rely only on trusted sources of information and refrain from spreading false rumors.