Fraudsters are reportedly contacting Russian citizens, pretending to facilitate the delivery of a package from an online marketplace. They then ask the unsuspecting individual to provide a verification code received via SMS.
The scam typically begins with a phone call where the fraudster informs the victim about an alleged package delivery from an online retailer and inquires about their preferred delivery method. If the person denies expecting any parcels, the caller suggests verifying this claim, requesting the SMS code as part of the `verification process`.
Should the scammer successfully acquire the SMS code, they can then gain unauthorized access to the victim`s online marketplace account, potentially compromising their sensitive banking information.
Stay vigilant! Always be suspicious of unexpected calls requesting personal information or SMS codes, especially regarding deliveries you didn`t anticipate. Never share verification codes with anyone, even if the caller seems legitimate.
This new scheme follows previous warnings about fraudsters attempting to steal money from Russians through a Telegram bot disguised as an official `Gosuslugi` (public services portal) form.
Clement Ashworth 
Barnaby Whitfield