Swindlers have developed a new method to defraud Russians, specifically targeting prospective university students. They are posing as university staff members, according to reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in St. Petersburg.
The new fraudulent scheme involves criminals calling future students, pretending to be from the university`s admissions committee. They inform the applicant about high chances of securing a state-funded place but require them to click a phishing link. This link directs the victim to a fake website designed to look exactly like the official “Gosuslugi” (State Services) portal. By following the instructions on the fake site, individuals inadvertently compromise and lose their personal data. Alarmingly, the scammers resort to threats if the prospective student refuses to cooperate, warning that they will be denied admission anywhere.
Authorities have reminded aspiring students that genuine university admission in Russia is solely based on academic performance, specifically results from the Unified State Exam (EGE), victories in recognized academic competitions, or university entrance examinations.
In related news on online safety, information security experts emphasize the importance for parents to educate their children about the dangers of trusting strangers online. They advise teaching children to always seek help from an adult if contacted by someone unfamiliar, particularly if the stranger`s online profile seems empty or suspicious, lacking friends, posts, or personal information.
