A new fraudulent scheme has emerged in Russia where scammers call citizens, posing as employees of major online marketplaces. This warning comes from Andrey Biichuk, product director at “Zashchitnik,” in an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to Biichuk, the fraudsters initiate contact with potential victims by informing them about a supposed delivery that has been placed in their name. If the recipient denies making such an order, the scammers typically offer various explanations. These include claiming it was an error, a surprise gift, or an order placed by someone else using the victim`s personal details.
Following this initial contact, the fraudsters then request identity verification and send an SMS code to the victim`s phone. In some instances, victims are pressured to “verify” themselves immediately, often accompanied by threats that the parcel will be disposed of if they fail to comply promptly.
Crucial Warning: Biichuk emphasized that this SMS code is, in fact, a tool used by scammers to gain unauthorized access to the victim`s personal data or bank accounts. Furthermore, fraudsters might send phishing links leading to fake courier service or marketplace websites, designed to trick users into entering sensitive personal information.
This new scam follows previous alerts regarding unusual forms of fraud. Earlier reports highlighted criminals stealing data and hacking applications under the guise of providing services like changing intercom codes.
This article is based on information from RIA Novosti and aims to inform readers about potential cybersecurity threats. Always exercise caution and verify the identity of callers before sharing any personal or financial information.
Clement Ashworth 
Barnaby Whitfield