Russian police have warned citizens to hang up immediately if they receive phone calls claiming a loan has been issued in their name.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs told state news agency RIA Novosti that callers impersonating law enforcement officers frequently tell targeted victims that their bank accounts are under threat or that unauthorized credit applications have been processed in their name.
Ministry officials advised that anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or investigator reporting financial threats should disconnect right away. The ministry described these incoming calls as an outright deception and urged citizens to break off all communication immediately rather than attempting to verify the caller's credentials during the call.
Police added that fraudsters also regularly pose as cellular network operators or bank employees during scam attempts. The ministry cautioned members of the public against continuing any conversations with individuals claiming to represent telecommunications companies or financial institutions under similar pretexts.
Scam schemes and phone fraud tactics
The advisory follows recent reports that cybercriminals operating in Russia have adopted multi-stage fraudulent schemes. In one recently highlighted tactic, scammers initiate contact with potential victims through online dating websites, engaging in extended correspondence to build trust before orchestrating financial deception.
Phone-based fraud and social engineering schemes, often known as vishing, represent a major focus for financial crime units and cybercrime investigators. Criminals frequently exploit panic by falsely claiming that urgent action is needed to stop unauthorized transactions or safeguard banking assets.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, known by its Russian abbreviation MVD, is the federal body overseeing civilian law enforcement, public safety, and criminal investigations across Russia. The ministry routinely publishes advisories to educate the public on cybercrime tactics and financial fraud prevention.
RIA Novosti, headquartered in Moscow, is a major Russian state news agency that regularly disseminates public safety updates and official announcements on behalf of federal agencies and government departments.
