The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has identified a prevalent new scam where fraudsters manipulate victims into initiating calls to them. This tactic has become one of the most popular in recent months.
Scammers typically contact individuals, alerting them to alleged breaches of their «Gosuslugi» (state services portal) accounts, data leaks, or other fabricated threats. Following this initial contact, the victim receives a message containing a phone number, supposedly for resolving the urgent issue.
The MIA warns that these numbers belong to the fraudsters. The primary objective is to compel the victim to make the first call. This strategy allows the scammers to circumvent the security measures implemented by banks and telecommunication operators, which are designed to block incoming fraudulent calls.
Messages from these criminals often originate from unofficial messenger accounts, email addresses, or phone numbers. They frequently contain stylistic errors, informal language, incorrect data, and an urgent call to action.
Genuine government agencies never demand an immediate callback to an unknown number. This is a crucial sign of fraud.
The MIA advises: «Remember, official services will never ask you to call back a suspicious number to resolve issues. Do not panic!» They also previously recommended observing a «pause rule» when receiving calls from unknown numbers, urging individuals not to react immediately to alarming or tempting offers.
