The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a consumer warning that participating in financial pyramid schemes can result in the complete loss of invested funds. It noted that such schemes are often presented as credible investment opportunities but are financially unsustainable and violate the law. The alert highlights indicators including promises of returns far above market levels, payouts funded primarily by money from new participants, and the absence of an agency-issued licence or clear legal responsibility for safeguarding deposits. Other warning signs include aggressive promotion through social networks and messengers, the use of presentations, gifts and requests to pay via cash or e-wallets to bypass official payment channels, misleading branding such as “innovative project” or “financial centre”, and low initial entry amounts intended to build trust before soliciting larger sums. For suspected victims, the agency recommends promptly contacting the police and the Financial Monitoring Agency and filing a complaint to improve the chances of recovering funds, while also warning friends and family to prevent further harm. It also urges consumers to verify company information, licensing and registration via official government websites, and points to Fingramota.kz for additional educational materials.

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