Journalists issue alert on disguised deception method employed by individuals, concealing themselves as school psychologists.
In a concerning development, a new scam scheme has emerged in Russia, targeting residents across the country. The fraudsters are posing as school psychologists and representatives of the Unified State Services Aggregator (Gosuslugi), a government service platform, to deceive victims.
### Identifying the Scam
The scammers typically contact victims by phone, claiming urgent or sensitive issues related to education or child welfare. They may also send links or files disguised as photos or videos that contain malware to compromise your device. Once they have gained access, they may ask for confidential data or attempt to convince victims to transfer money or use couriers to handle funds.
### Protecting Yourself
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it's crucial to verify the caller's identity. Always contact your school or the official Unified State Services Aggregator through their official channels before responding to any request. Refrain from clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unsolicited calls or messages. Never agree to transfer money or hand over funds to couriers on behalf of any caller.
If you suspect a scam, report it to local law enforcement and the Unified State Services Aggregator. It's also advisable to educate vulnerable groups, such as students, parents, and school staff, about scam methods to reduce the risk of falling victim. Be cautious with your personal and financial information, only sharing it with recipients you are certain are legitimate.
### Consequences for Scammers and Couriers
Authorities have emphasised that couriers for these scams, often young people facing financial difficulties, end up arrested and face serious legal consequences. Awareness and caution are key to preventing victimization by these evolving fraud schemes in Russia.
This scam exploits the fact that a child allegedly failed a test and needs to retake it. The scammers threaten to involve parents in criminal charges and pressure the child to turn on a video recording and conduct a "search" in their apartment, gathering all valuable items and money to hand over to a courier.
The scam is a new form of cyber fraud targeting Russian residents, and it's essential to stay vigilant and follow the advice provided to protect yourself and your family.
[1] Source: Khabarovsk Krai Today news agency, citing RIA Novosti.
- In the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice, it's crucial to be aware of a new cybersecurity threat emerging in Russia, where scammers are posing as school psychologists or Unified State Services Aggregator (Gosuslugi) representatives to deceive victims.
- To safeguard yourself from this scheme, always verify the caller's identity, avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from downloading attachments, never agree to transfer money or use couriers on behalf of any caller, and report any suspected scams to local law enforcement and the Unified State Services Aggregator.
