Fraudsters are constantly refining their scams to extort your money. They use not only internet calls on messaging apps like Viber, Telegram, or WhatsApp, but also landline and mobile phones, as well as internet video calls. They most often pose as law enforcement officers, employees of mobile operators, government agencies, or banks. Less frequently, they may impersonate your relatives, bosses, brokers, or cryptocurrency exchange traders.
The number of scams under the pretext of contract renewals with mobile operators continues to grow.
The victim receives a call via messenger from an unknown person claiming to be a mobile operator employee. Under the pretext of contract renewal, the scammer provides a link that the victim clicks to install a remote access app on their device. It’s worth noting that the app is very similar to the original: the scammers install a similar icon, and the overall appearance of the app can be mistaken for the real thing at first glance.
The victim then receives a call allegedly from a “police officer,” who, under various pretexts, persuades them to take out a loan and transfer funds to bank accounts controlled by the scammers.
We also inform you that the scammers are also calling individuals and posing as employees of Vodokanal and Elektroseti.
During the conversation, the scammer asks the individual to submit a request for a meter replacement. The scammer also attempts to obtain the individual’s passport identification number and mobile phone number.
If the victim provides the requested information, they receive a call via instant messaging, allegedly from a “law enforcement officer,” who informs them that they are currently talking on their home phone with the scammers and demands that they end the call.
The scammer then convinces the individual that the scammers have taken out a loan in their name. To remedy the situation, the citizen must personally visit the bank and apply for the loan, and transfer the funds received to the provided secure bank account in order to cancel the loan that was issued by the fraudsters.
Meanwhile, scammers continue to call individuals posing as bank employees and law enforcement officials, reporting a problem and, having gained their trust, offering assistance in resolving it. For example, they inform individuals that they are suspected of complicity in a crime, requiring a search and seizure of funds. To safeguard the funds, they suggest transferring the cash to a supposedly secure account or handing it over to a supposed bank employee for declaration. Fraudsters may also claim that the victim has a loan, which requires providing their passport information and bank card details to cancel.
Attention!
Police and bank officials do not call via instant messaging apps or demand money transfers for “declarations” or “release from liability,” nor do they offer to participate in “special operations” to catch the scammers.
Police, bank, and mobile operator officials do not call subscribers via instant messaging apps.
Never install unfamiliar apps at the request of strangers.
Don’t share your personal information, bank card details, or codes from SMS messages with anyone!
Don’t click links provided to you by unknown people.
Don’t install apps on your device based on recommendations from unknown people or received through instant messaging apps.
Instagram scams that demand upfront payment are a common scam often used by scammers to deceive users. Here are the main aspects of this scheme:
Scammers create fake profiles with attractive photos that could represent products and services. They often use photos from the internet to create the appearance of legitimacy.
Scammers offer products or services at significantly reduced prices or run promotions that seem too good to be true (for example, special offers on popular products).
Scammers purchase advertising and use popular hashtags to reach a wide audience and attract the attention of potential victims.
They create attractive posts and stories with vibrant images and enticing offers.
Scammers may create fake reviews and comments from fake accounts to create the illusion of positive customer experiences.
During communication with victims, scammers may use various tactics to build trust, including friendly communication and promises of fast delivery.
After the victim expresses a desire to purchase the product or service, the scammers explain that prepayment is required to confirm the order, which is made via a bank card transfer.
Sometimes, scammers may direct victims to fake websites that appear legitimate, claiming to request a refund due to delivery issues. These websites prompt the victim to enter their bank card details, but the remaining funds are debited.
After receiving the money, the scammers stop communicating, block the victim, or may delete their account.
How to avoid Instagram scams:
Look for reviews of the seller in open sources online. Pay attention to any negative reviews or fraud warnings!
Under no circumstances transfer funds until you receive the item!
If the price seems too low or the offer too good to be true, this could be a sign of a scam.
Scammers continue to extort money for “unlocking” an iPhone.
The scammer and the victim most often meet on related websites. The conversation then moves to instant messaging, where the new acquaintance, under various pretexts (for example, an urgent need to download information or photos), forces the victim to log into the victim’s iCloud account from their device. After receiving consent, the scammer sends the username and password, and after the victim logs into the “account,” changes the iPhone password and enables Lost Mode.
At this point, the victim is trapped, unable to log out of the victim’s account or disable Lost Mode, and the iPhone remains locked and unusable. Then the scammers offer to transfer money to unlock the device.
Remember!
Never log into other people’s accounts on your devices, and don’t enter your personal information or passwords on untrusted websites. Use two-factor authentication and never share your password or confirmation codes with anyone.
Scams purporting to make money on the stock exchange remain popular.
Scammers offer stock trading and investment opportunities, promising rapid returns.
The victim sees an advertisement for a profitable investment project on a social media site, after which they submit a request with a phone number.
The victim then receives a call from a personal broker, who will guide them through the entire project.
The victim transfers funds to the personal broker, who supposedly registers a personal account and creates the illusion of active operations and high returns. However, when the victim attempts to withdraw funds, numerous reasons arise for why the withdrawal is impossible. The victim is also asked to transfer an even larger sum of money for various reasons (such as a commission fee), a “commission.” After paying the fee, it turns out the money cannot be received because the client is allegedly suspected of fraud.
What should you pay attention to to avoid being scammed?
Beware of offers that seem too good to be true: if something seems too good to be true, it’s most likely a scam.
Don’t share personal information: Never share your financial information or passwords with strangers.
Proceed with caution: Don’t rush into investments, especially if you’re being pressured to make quick decisions.
