Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, warned about the increase in fraud on the eve of Victory Day. Attackers will use patriotic themes and assistance to veterans to mask their criminal schemes.
Fraudsters often target elderly people. They call, write in messengers, or come in person. At the same time, they introduce themselves as social service workers, volunteers, or philanthropists.
Under the pretext of handing out gifts, payments for Victory Day, or organizing congratulations, they ask for bank card details, SNILS, or codes from SMS.
Nemkin warned that calls from allegedly official organizations — the Pension Fund, administration, or Veterans Fund — are especially dangerous. The victim is informed about a new payment, but to receive it, they allegedly need to pass verification or pay a commission.
Often, fraudsters use fake numbers that look like real ones — this creates an illusion of trust. Some schemes are accompanied by forged documents, requisites, and even forms with coats of arms and seals.
Fraud schemes via messengers and social networks are becoming increasingly popular. Pensioners receive "postcards" and "congratulations" containing attachments. These attachments, when opened, infect devices with malware, the parliamentarian warned.
Sometimes, requests for help in a critical situation come from grandchildren or children. For example, "I was detained, I urgently need money." Fraudsters use audio and video materials created with the help of neural networks to support their story. This is especially dangerous for elderly people who easily succumb to emotions.
In his appeals, Nemkin mentioned the existence of fraudulent schemes related to fundraising. In the entrances of residential buildings and near shopping outlets, you can meet people who offer passers-by to familiarize themselves with leaflets containing patriotic symbols. They ask for donations for various purposes: "for wreaths", "for gifts to veterans", "for organizing a parade".
Often, such collectors act with "volunteer" IDs made in a handicraft way and hide behind the loud names of organizations that do not actually exist.
Nemkin advised to inform elderly family members in advance about such methods and discuss with them that any messages about money transfers, payments and collections must be verified through official sources.
During the May holidays, there is also a seasonal increase in cases of fraud related to the sale of fake airline tickets or travel packages. Attackers make fake websites of airlines and ticket platforms.
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