The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan has issued a formal warning to citizens planning to travel by bus from Moscow to Tashkent, urging them to exercise caution amid a rising wave of online scams. Authorities report an increasing number of incidents where passengers intending to use the state-run 'Uzautotrans Service' company fall prey to deceptive intermediaries.

According to official statements, fraudsters have been exploiting promotional photos and videos of the company's buses across social media platforms and YouTube channels to post fabricated travel advertisements. They allegedly deceive travelers by claiming to organize official state-backed transport to Tashkent while fabricating shortages at authorized ticket windows.

The perpetrators purportedly inform victims that standard ticket offices are completely sold out, compelling them to purchase passes directly from the scammers at prices several times higher than the regulated rates. Most concerningly, passengers who pay these inflated prices are reportedly loaded onto illegal and unregulated vehicles lacking proper safety oversight.

The transport authorities reminded the public that official 'Uzautotrans Service' departures take place strictly on Mondays and Thursdays from Moscow's 'Novoyasenevskaya' and 'Kotelniki' bus stations. Citizens are strongly advised to purchase tickets exclusively through official station cash desks, designated mobile applications, or verified web portals.

Source: kun.uz