According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), fraudsters are duplicating online store websites as a primary method to steal funds.
A core fraud tactic involving fake payment platforms is the duplication of popular online store websites and the Faster Payments System (SBP). Data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) indicates this is a prevalent method.
These fraudulent websites enable criminals to steal users` payment information, according to the MIA. For the SBP, a similar approach is taken: fraudsters create pages that mimic the system`s interface, sending users either a QR code or a link purportedly for a regional payment system.
Experts also identified other common scams. One involves creating fake real estate rental websites; sometimes legitimate platforms are initially used for ads, but communication is then moved to messengers, and payment links direct users to fraudulent sites. Another widespread tactic is creating platforms offering goods and services at unrealistically low prices.
Earlier, Russians were warned about a different type of scam involving social engineering: fraudsters impersonating utility (like `Vodokanal`) employees call asking for SMS codes, creating a false sense of a legitimate service contact and discussing bogus home visits for meter checks or urgent work.
Clement Ashworth 
Barnaby Whitfield