Uzbekistan Strengthens Citizen Protection Against Fraud in Remote Financial Services

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — New regulations aimed at enhancing the security of remote financial services have come into effect in Uzbekistan.

The Ministry of Justice, together with the Central Bank, registered the “Regulation on Minimum Requirements for Ensuring Information Security and Preventing Fraudulent Operations in the Remote Servicing of Individuals” (registration number 3759).

According to the document, credit institutions are required to display a 24-hour phone number on the back of each bank card for customers to quickly report suspected fraud when using online services.

In addition, when issuing cards or concluding agreements and public offers for financial services, clients must be informed about potential signs of fraudulent activity.

The Regulation also establishes obligations for clients to promptly inform the bank or payment organization of critical situations. In cases of device loss or if a third party gains control over it, the client must notify the financial institution immediately, and no later than one day. The same one-day timeframe applies to reporting transactions conducted without the client’s consent.

Furthermore, when a phone number connected to SMS notifications is changed, credit and payment institutions are required to inform the client about deactivation on the old number and activation on the new one.

These new requirements are designed to reduce the risks of online fraud and enhance client protection when using remote financial services, aligning with the country’s strategic goals for digitalization of the financial sector.