On December 4, 2025, a preventive event dedicated to one of the most pressing issues of our time—Internet fraud and its contributing factors, including the phenomenon of dropping (financial mules)—took place at the Kostanay Polytechnic Higher College (KPKVK).

The goal of the event was to enhance the level of digital literacy and form safe online behavior skills among students to minimize the risks of becoming victims of cybercriminals.

A total of 107 students participated in the lecture-dialogue, representing the groups 1M-16 (26 people), 1TZ-31 (17 people), 1PO-11 (23 people), 1A-4 (19 people), and 1PO-10 (22 people).

The keynote speaker was Tamerlan Yerdenov, Operations Officer of the Police Department of Kostanay Region, which provided the discussion with maximum practical significance and expertise.

During the lecture-dialogue, key objectives were achieved: primarily, students were introduced to the most common Internet fraud schemes, such as phishing, social engineering techniques, and banking card fraud, as well as new, particularly dangerous threats associated with dropping. Special attention was paid to the analysis of factors contributing to the commission of crimes, including the psychological tricks used by fraudsters, insufficient digital literacy among users, and the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Tamerlan Yerdenov elaborated on training protective measures, presenting specific and effective practical recommendations and tools for the reliable protection of personal data, financial assets, and electronic devices. A particularly critical and important block was the clarification of the legal aspects of participation in dropping schemes. Information was provided on the severe criminal liability and legal consequences for transferring other people’s funds and cashing out money obtained through criminal means, and a clear algorithm of actions to be taken in case fraud is detected was presented. In conclusion, the importance of forming critical thinking and skills to verify any incoming information was emphasized, as this is the first line of defense against cybercriminals. This event became an important step in strengthening the digital security of the student youth at Kostanay Polytechnic Higher College.

L.K. Dyusekeyeva, Deputy Director for Educational Work (UVR) #adal_azamat