Scammers profiting from deaths of Uzbeks abroad

In recent months, social media has seen a rise in messages asking for donations to repatriate deceased Uzbeks from abroad, UPL.uz reported. Uzbekistan’s Agency for External Labor Migration has issued a warning: many such requests are scams.

According to the agency, the government fully covers the cost of repatriating bodies of citizens who die abroad. Therefore, the public is urged not to send money to bank accounts listed in these appeals.

Fraudsters often use outdated or entirely fake information, preying on people’s empathy. Posts usually include card numbers for “donations,” but such activity is illegal.

Citizens are advised to verify all such claims through official channels. Relatives of the deceased can contact the agency via (71) 202-33-55 or short number 1282, or use the Telegram bot @huquqiy_yordam_uzbot for assistance.

The agency recalled a past case where the government covered the costs of repatriating a 19-year-old Uzbek who died in a fire in Turkey — proving that the support system functions effectively. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!