The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has outlined the primary signs of fraud frequently encountered by users when making online purchases. Critical warning signals include demands for money transfers to a private individual`s bank card and frequent changes in payment details. These and other alerts were published on the «Russian Cyber Police Herald» Telegram channel, aiming to protect consumers from sophisticated scamming techniques.
A prominent indicator of deceptive practices is the persistent request to shift communication from official marketplace platforms to unofficial messengers, such as WhatsApp. Scammers often propose this under the guise of «expedited issue resolution.» Their true motive is to avoid platforms that maintain communication history and offer built-in buyer protection mechanisms, making their fraudulent activities harder to trace and dispute.
Consumers should also be highly suspicious of the following common scam tactics:
- Fictitious Minimum Withdrawal Limits: Scammers may impose fake minimum thresholds for withdrawing funds, preventing users from accessing their money.
- Refund Blocking: The inability to process or receive refunds, even during the initial order placement stage, is a significant red flag.
- Mandatory Advance Insurance Payments: A demand for an upfront payment for «product insurance» before the item is handed over to the carrier is a scam. Legitimate insurance fees are typically paid upon the actual transfer of goods to the shipping company.
- Requests for «Refundable» Deposits: Be wary of requests for additional «refundable» deposits, often accompanied by promises of immediate reimbursement. In reality, these subsequent payments are frequently blocked under various false pretexts.
- Pressure for Urgent Payment: Any situation where a seller pressures the buyer for immediate or urgent payment should raise suspicions.
- Refusal of Alternative Delivery Methods: If a seller refuses to consider or accommodate alternative, legitimate delivery options, it could indicate fraudulent intent.
The MIA further warns about other emerging fraudulent schemes. Cybercriminals are now deploying fake QR codes in public places, which can lead to financial losses if scanned. The public is strongly advised to always verify the source of any QR code and to avoid scanning codes from suspicious or unknown origins.
Additionally, authorities report that malicious actors are sending counterfeit emails and messages to Russians, impersonating official bodies like the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (ГИБДД). These phishing attempts are designed to trick recipients into divulging personal data, which can then be used for identity theft and other illicit activities. Staying vigilant and verifying the authenticity of all communications are crucial steps in safeguarding personal information and finances online.
