Up to a thousand such offers appear daily, with prices for this `service` reaching up to $250. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has acknowledged the issue, cautioning that fraudulent call centers exploit these rented accounts to contact Russian citizens.
Fraudsters are actively seeking to rent accounts on the Max messenger. These propositions have surfaced on dark web forums, according to media reports. The Telegram channel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs` cybercrime division had previously reported on this trend.
Schoolchildren and students are the primary targets for these rentals. They are offered between $10 and $250 in exchange for providing their phone number and authorization code for the messenger.
Alexander Kukutchuk, Technical Director at `Calibrity Group`, explains the mechanics of this scheme, the fate of these accounts, and potential countermeasures. He noted that these rented accounts serve as “drops,” offering fraudsters verified phone numbers for a small fee, which can enhance the credibility of their illicit activities. While some are used for advertising or spam, the majority are employed in direct fraud, such as scam calls. Accounts are typically blocked or deleted after each fraudulent act.
Kukutchuk suggested that effective countermeasures would involve implementing sophisticated tracking systems, similar to those used in banking applications, to monitor device information, user behavior, and VPN usage. However, he cautioned that such a comprehensive solution would require substantial financial and operational investment.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs states that Max messenger accounts are immediately blocked upon detection of fraudulent activity. As of September 1st, transferring an account can incur a fine of up to 700,000 rubles (approximately $7,500 USD), and participation in fraudulent schemes may lead to up to two years of imprisonment.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth