The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has issued a warning to citizens about seven prevalent fraud schemes actively used on online classifieds platforms. Scammers frequently post fake advertisements for non-existent goods or services as a primary tactic.
Main Fraud Schemes:
1. Sale of Non-existent Goods or Services
This scheme is among the most widespread. Fraudsters post enticing advertisements for items, such as expensive electronics, at suspiciously low prices. Once they receive an advance payment from a victim, all communication ceases, and the scammer disappears.
2. Phishing via Fake Payment Pages
Cybercriminals send victims deceptive links that direct them to counterfeit websites. These sites are meticulously designed to mimic the legitimate payment pages of popular online services. When victims unknowingly enter their banking details on these fake pages, the confidential information is instantly captured by the fraudsters.
3. Deception Under the Guise of an Employer
Scammers masquerade as recruiters or company representatives, offering appealing, high-paying jobs or lucrative part-time work opportunities. Their goal is to trick job seekers into providing personal data or making payments, often for non-existent training or equipment.
4. Extortion Under the Pretext of a Refund
Following a simulated failed payment or transaction, a scammer, posing as a customer support representative, contacts the victim offering a «refund.» To process this, they request sensitive bank card details or one-time codes from SMS messages, falsely claiming these are necessary to confirm the «refund» operation.
5. Data Theft via Remote Access or Malware
Fraudsters employ various technological methods, including gaining unauthorized remote access to victims` devices or distributing malicious software. Their objective is to covertly steal confidential personal and financial information.
6. Social Engineering
In this sophisticated scheme, criminals simulate a victim`s account being hacked or stolen. Subsequently, they impersonate bank employees or other official personnel, persuading the victim to transfer funds to a «safe account» or to divulge sensitive personal credentials, ostensibly to secure their assets.
7. Dating Site Scams
While predominantly found on dating platforms, this form of scam warrants attention due to its prevalence. Scammers create fake profiles, often impersonating military personnel or medical professionals, and use elaborate, emotional stories to build rapport with women, ultimately deceiving them into sending money.
