The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has exposed sophisticated multi-stage schemes employed by fraudsters to deceive teenagers, aiming to alert minors and their parents about these pervasive online threats.
Fraudsters have developed detailed five-stage schemes to trick teenagers, as reported by the MVD via its Telegram channel «Vestnik Cyberpolitsii Rossii» (Herald of the Russian Cyberpolice), providing an in-depth look at the methods used by these criminals.
How the Scams Unfold: Initial Contact
The perpetrators typically initiate contact with teenagers through various online platforms, including social networks, online games, or chat rooms. They impersonate trusted figures such as couriers, tech support staff, or even teachers. During these initial conversations, they fabricate an urgent situation, such as an account blockage, an error in a package delivery, or a security breach, to create a sense of panic and urgency in the minor.
Phase of Pressure and Isolation
Following the initial contact, the scam progresses into a phase of intense pressure and isolation. Scammers strategically move the conversation to encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram, where they then pose as law enforcement officers or investigators. During this stage, they frequently resort to threats, such as claiming the teenager`s parents could be arrested, and strictly forbid the minor from communicating with any relatives or trusted adults, thereby isolating the victim.
Under this significant psychological pressure, the victim is then instructed to perform specific financial actions. These demands might include transferring money to a designated account, supposedly to «declare funds,» or to undergo a «verification process.» Once the fraudsters successfully obtain the money, they immediately disappear, leaving the teenager distressed and financially exploited.
MVD`s Crucial Advice: «No official body ever demands money or confidential codes over the phone or via messaging apps. It is absolutely crucial to talk to your children about these risks. Explain to them that if they feel scared or encounter any suspicious situation, their first and most important step should be to immediately contact their parents or a trusted adult.»
Previous Warnings: The Back-to-School Scam
This latest warning follows previous alerts regarding other fraudulent schemes. For instance, before the start of the academic year, Russians were warned about a scam where fraudsters impersonated educational institution staff. These criminals would offer to «link» phone numbers to electronic student diaries, which was another attempt to gain unauthorized access to personal information or financial data.
