The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) warns about new methods used by fraudsters to involve Russian citizens as “droppers” – accomplices in financial crimes.
Fraudsters are actively recruiting Russian citizens into their criminal schemes using various deceptive tactics. These individuals, known as “droppers” or “money mules,” become accomplices in financial crimes, helping scammers conceal the traces of illicitly obtained funds. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), through its “Cyber Police Herald of Russia” Telegram channel, has listed the most common tricks employed by these swindlers.
One frequently used method is the “erroneous transfer.” A sum of money appears on a person`s bank card, after which an unknown individual contacts them, claiming to be the sender, and asks for the money to be returned to different account details. Another scheme involves asking for help with withdrawing supposedly blocked assets from abroad, which also entails transferring money to a third-party account, as warned by the MVD.
Furthermore, fraudsters may pose as managers of lottery companies or investment funds, offering “work” related to transferring winnings or profits from investments. Scammers are also actively seeking individuals to exchange or cash out cryptocurrency, using them in their illicit operations.
The MVD also notes that criminals may write on behalf of supposed freelance police officers, offering “assistance” in investigating financial crimes. Another common trick is “charity,” where the victim is asked to withdraw or transfer money for elderly individuals who allegedly have difficulty reaching an ATM.
Fraudsters also actively use dating sites, where they establish trusting relationships with users and then ask to borrow a bank card or make a transfer. Special attention is given to schoolchildren and students, who are promised easy money for opening bank cards and subsequently transferring (leasing or selling) them to third parties.
In light of this, experts have previously urged Russians to be extremely vigilant and under no circumstances to carry out any transactions involving bank cards or accounts of unknown individuals, in order to avoid participation in criminal schemes.
