Professor Vadim Vinogradov of HSE University has reported a surge in fraud cases where criminals impersonate military enlistment offices to deceive Russian citizens. They initiate calls to individuals, claiming an urgent need for data verification or updates, supposedly linked to the recent launch of the Unified Register of Electronic Summons.
During these conversations, the unsuspecting individual is asked to provide a code received via SMS. The fraudsters assert that this code is necessary for identity confirmation. In reality, this code is used to gain unauthorized access to the victim`s personal account on the “Gosuslugi” public services portal. Young individuals, particularly students, are especially vulnerable to this scheme, as fraudsters may pose as university or dean`s office staff, offering to “verify data” due to alleged “technical glitches.”
Professor Vinogradov emphasized that any request for a confirmation code over the phone from unknown individuals is a clear indication of fraudulent activity. To mitigate risks, he advises extreme caution during such calls. All requests involving personal data should be independently verified through official services and established contact channels, rather than relying on unsolicited calls.
He strongly recommends implementing additional security measures, including two-factor authentication for online accounts, subscribing to suspicious call filtering services offered by mobile operators, and regularly checking activity in personal accounts on government platforms to detect any unauthorized access promptly.
The report also highlights the rise of other prevalent fraudulent schemes. One such scam targets individuals seeking housing rentals, where victims have reported significant financial losses. Another increasingly popular method involves replacing intercom keys; perpetrators convince residents to provide a special four-digit code, ostensibly for system registration, to facilitate access through their building`s doors.
