Fraudsters started reporting fake requests to view property data
Photo: Pavel Kashaev / Global Look Press
Cybercriminals have initiated a new deception tactic targeting Russian citizens. They falsely inform individuals about alleged requests to view their property data, a ploy designed to extract personal and sensitive information. Artem Sheikin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council`s Constitutional Committee, revealed this scheme in a conversation with RIA Novosti.
Sheikin highlighted a notable increase in such fraudulent activities, which primarily involve sending deceptive emails and making misleading phone calls. These scammers utilize fabricated addresses and impersonate representatives of government bodies or «support services,» creating a facade of official communication to trick their victims.
The core objective of these perpetrators is to instill fear and anxiety, thereby prompting individuals to panic and either call a provided fraudulent number or click on a malicious link. According to Sheikin, the ultimate goal is to coerce victims into transferring money under the guise of «protecting their property.»
“These fraudulent schemes are particularly perilous because they capitalize on people’s anxieties and their inherent desire to safeguard their assets. Therefore, paramount to personal security is heightened citizen vigilance and the imperative to verify any suspicious information exclusively through official and verified channels,” Sheikin emphasized.
In related news, Sheikin previously announced impending legislative changes that will prevent debt collectors from communicating anonymously with debtors. These new measures are being introduced to enhance the protection of citizens` rights and to foster greater transparency within the debt collection sector. Going forward, every electronic message issued by a collection agency will be required to include the name of the creditor or their authorized representative, along with a contact telephone number.
