Cybersecurity specialists from F.A.C.C.T. have recorded the return to Russia of a fraudulent scheme related to investing in the defense industry. Attackers already used a similar strategy against Russians in 2021, but now they have refined it and are gaining full control over Russians' personal data and finances.
To target victims who desire quick and large earnings and are patriotically inclined, several websites have been created on behalf of a fake organization called "Spetsfond VPK."
Scammers offer users to invest "in strengthening the defense capability of the Motherland" with the promise of returns exceeding 90% per year. These offers are accompanied by photographs of Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu, and Maxim Reshetnikov, as well as fake decrees from the President of Russia, clarifications from the Central Bank, and orders from the Minister of Economic Development. The fraudsters are motivated not only by one-time theft of funds but also by control over the victim's device through the installation of a mobile application — this gives them access to all accounts at once.
In this regard, Russians are urged to be vigilant and not to succumb to promises of quick and large income online, no matter how solid the online resource may seem, and no matter how serious and trustworthy the individuals it refers to.
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