Denis Kalemberg, CEO of SafeTech, informed RIA Novosti about a new fraud scheme targeting Russians applying for Schengen visas. Exploiting the complex geopolitical situation, scammers contact potential victims, posing as embassy representatives. They claim to need to clarify details or resolve document-related issues.
To “verify” information, victims are prompted to enter a code from an SMS message, presented as a simple electronic signature. Following this, users receive phishing messages, masquerading as notifications from “Gosuslugi” (Russian public services portal) about account access and data extraction. This is then followed by a message concerning a “power of attorney” and a request to call back if it wasn`t authorized.
Kalemberg explained that panicked victims call back, and the fraudsters then deploy a standard script, convincing individuals that they are allegedly involved in financing terrorism. To “stop” this, victims are instructed to take out loans from banks and transfer the funds to a “safe account.”
This incident highlights the escalating threat of cyber fraud. A similar case was previously reported in Nizhny Novgorod, where a 69-year-old accountant lost her apartment, garage, and savings due to calls from unknown individuals impersonating law enforcement officers.
Clement Ashworth 
Barnaby Whitfield