Scammers Targeting Russian Car Owners with Fake OSAGO Offers

Fraudsters have intensified their efforts to target car owners in Russia, luring them with attractive offers for obtaining OSAGO (Compulsory Motor Third-Party Liability) insurance policies. Investigations by Bi.Zone reveal that these criminals promise their victims quick processing and significantly reduced prices.

According to Bi.Zone Brand Protection specialists, over 5,000 advertisements offering assistance with OSAGO policy issuance were identified on various online platforms and digital classifieds in September alone. These advertisers claimed they could process policies remotely and deliver the final document via email. Victims were merely required to make a payment and provide their personal details.

Analysts estimate that approximately nine percent of these advertisements are likely fraudulent. The methods employed by these scammers vary widely: some simply disappear after receiving an upfront payment, others issue counterfeit policies, and some even provide legitimate policies but register them to the wrong individual.

Dmitry Kiryushkin, head of Bi.Zone Brand Protection, warned about schemes involving the misuse of third-party discounts. “Some criminals execute scams where they process a policy not for their client, but for a third person who is eligible for no-claims bonuses, despite that person having no actual connection to the vehicle or the policyholder,” he explained.

The company advises that identifying fraudulent offers is usually straightforward. They often feature overly tempting conditions and promise unrealistically large discounts. To mitigate risks, researchers strongly recommend that car owners purchase insurance solely through official and verified platforms.

In related news, Russians have also been urged to prepare for an increase in sophisticated fraudulent videos and phone calls. Alexandra Shmigirilova, GR Director at “Security Code,” highlighted that criminals are increasingly utilizing AI technologies capable of mimicking not only human voices but also body movements and even facial expressions, making these scams harder to detect.