In connection with information circulating on social media regarding fraudulent calls from numbers beginning with the 78 prefix, East Telecom considers it necessary to provide clarification.

The 78 prefix is a numbering resource used by our company. However, the mere display of a number does not mean that the call is being made through the operator’s network. Fraudsters often use IP telephony technologies and Caller ID spoofing, which allow a phone number to appear as if it belongs to any telecommunications operator.

According to available information, such calls have been recorded from various number prefixes of telecom operators across Uzbekistan, which indicates the systemic nature of the problem and confirms that it is not related to the activities of any particular operator.

It is also important to emphasize that simply answering a phone call does not lead to the withdrawal of funds or access to bank accounts. Fraud typically occurs only when a subscriber voluntarily shares confidential information with third parties, such as:

• SMS verification codes

• one-time banking passwords

• bank card details

East Telecom urges users to follow digital security practices and never disclose SMS verification codes or banking details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be a representative of a bank or any financial or governmental organization.

At the same time, we would like to note that certain Telegram channels are spreading unsubstantiated and inaccurate information that damages the long-standing business reputation and image of our company, and may also create distrust among clients and partners.

According to Article 202² of the Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Administrative Responsibility, the dissemination of false information that humiliates a person’s honor and dignity or damages their business reputation, including through mass media, telecommunications networks, or the Internet, entails the imposition of a fine in the amount of fifty times the base calculation amount.

East Telecom is cooperating with relevant government authorities and providing assistance in identifying and preventing fraudulent schemes. The company also calls on media representatives and channel administrators to disseminate only verified and reliable information.