Russians are being deceived in mobile phone stores: how it happens and who is in danger

One of the most common schemes is the hidden registration of SIM cards to the buyer

Buying a new SIM card or switching to a more favorable tariff plan can lead to unexpected problems. Experts from the Digital Expertise Center of Roskachestvo spoke about the tricks that customers may encounter in communication stores.

SIM cards are often issued secretly in stores. When buyers come for the selected tariff, they may not notice that the check indicates an additional SIM card that they were not offered.

Consultants may present this as a "misunderstanding" or a "profitable offer", but in fact such steps are part of the company's strategy to stimulate sales.

Deception in communication stores is not uncommon, but a widespread practice that almost every Russian has encountered.
Sergey Kuzmenko, Head of the Digital Expertise Center of Roskachestvo

He recommended carefully checking each item in the check and refusing unnecessary goods and services.

Another tricky way to cheat Russians out of money is to offer additional services, especially to elderly people, under the guise of "SIM card activation consultations" or "phone settings". These services do not require special knowledge, but can significantly increase the cost of the purchase, as reported by the department.

Sales specialists can offer "profitable" options that in practice turn out to be more expensive than in other retail outlets. For example, the cost of a smartphone may be overstated by 5000 rubles, and this difference goes into the consultant's pocket.

In addition, unscrupulous employees may include extra goods in the check when applying for a loan or installment plan. Often checks are hidden or folded, and if the deception is discovered, it becomes difficult to get the money back.

Experts advise carefully checking checks and not being afraid to clarify the details for each item.

Earlier, Russians were warned about a new scheme of fraudsters with clarification of work experience. The attackers say that an error has been made in a person's pension record and are trying to gain access to the accounts of Russians on "Gosuslugi".

Read materials on the topic:

Data at your fingertips: why and how fraudsters hack the "Gosuslugi" of Russians

Be vigilant: fraudsters send out fake letters about checking the schedule of water shutdowns

Malicious code: what are the dangers of pirated applications for TVs

Hackers often use legal software in attacks to disguise themselves from antiviruses