Multi-level fraud schemes always begin with preparation. If a fraudster has chosen a scientist as their victim, they will first study the details of their biography in online encyclopedias. This was warned to Russians by the Department for Organizing the Fight Against Illegal Use of Information and Communication Technologies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Complex multi-stage fraud schemes always begin with preparation. Most often, attackers analyze data from leaks and social networks, but data from online encyclopedias and even databases of scientific publications can also be used.
Fraudsters choose and prepare attacks on influential people, using articles in online encyclopedias. They carefully study the biographies of scientists, professors, and inventors whose activities are described in detail.
The attackers act, believing that their victims have significant financial resources. Their professional occupation and habit of being treated with respect can weaken vigilance, the department explained.
Fraudsters often resort to the "fake boss" scheme. The victim receives a call from a person who introduces himself as a high-ranking official, for example, the mayor of the city.
To protect your loved ones, we recommend explaining to them a simple fact: status, merits, and achievements do not protect against a call from a foreign call center, but only further motivate the criminal. Be sure to discuss the risks and methods of protection with your older relatives.
In Russia, fraudsters also often "hunt" for elderly people, children, and cryptocurrency owners.
Read more on the topic:
Machine learning and AI help Kaspersky Lab identify about half a million new cyber threats every day
Banks proposed to oblige messengers to interrupt calls and correspondence if fraud is suspected