The Golden Rule for Dealing with Scammers Revealed

When interacting with fraudsters, it is crucial not to panic and to avoid taking rash actions. This was the main advice shared by security experts, including those from the major e-commerce platform Ozon.

Common Fraud Schemes

Experts noted that one of the most widespread schemes involves malicious actors impersonating staff from banks, government agencies, delivery couriers, or tech support. Using pretexts such as “account blockage” or “delivery issues,” they attempt to coerce the victim into revealing sensitive information, including SMS verification codes, passwords, or bank card details.

It is essential to remember that legitimate representatives of stores, financial institutions, or government services will never request such confidential information over the phone.

Beware of `Too Good to Be True` Offers

Experts also advised the public to be extremely cautious of “incredibly profitable” offers advertised on social media and messenger apps. If a new smartphone is being sold at a price significantly below market value, and the seller insists on urgent prepayment or sends a suspicious link, these are definite warning signs.

Advanced Threats: Deepfakes

Analysts also highlighted the growing threat posed by advanced technology, noting that scammers are actively using deepfakes to deceive people. Fraudsters can fabricate audio or even video recordings mimicking acquaintances or family members of the potential victim in order to extort money.

General Safety Tips

For general online safety, especially during high-volume periods like holidays, consumers should choose only official websites and applications for online shopping, as these platforms utilize secure data transfer protocols. Furthermore, specialized vigilance is required to protect children, particularly in online gaming environments where scammers may also operate.