VTB: Fraudsters adapt their scam strategy involving "pension recalculation"
In a concerning development, a new pension scam has emerged in Russia, preying on the fears and trust of senior citizens. The scam, disguised as a pension recalculation, is designed to extort money from victims under the guise of "protecting savings."
The scam typically begins with unsolicited contacts, often in the form of calls, messages, or visits, claiming to be from official pension authorities or trusted companies. These scammers are adept at pressuring victims to pay fees or transfer money for supposed services, and they may even pose as law enforcement officials to add an air of authenticity.
Victims are often led to believe they need to visit a multifunctional centre (MFC) for a "pension recalculation," unaware that this is part of the fraudulent scheme. Once at the MFC, victims may be asked to transfer money to a "special account" under the false pretense of protecting their money.
Dmitry Revyakin, the Head of the Corporate Interests Protection Department in the Security Department at VTB, has emphasized that neither the FSB nor any other government agency will ever demand money transfers over the phone to 'protect' it.
To protect yourself and others from falling victim to this scam, it is crucial to remain cautious of unsolicited contacts offering pension recalculation or "protection of savings." If you suspect a scam, do not share personal data or sign any documents unless you have verified the legitimacy of the offer from official sources.
If you have been contacted or victimized by such a scam, report it to local authorities or pension regulators who handle pension fraud and consumer protection in Russia. Seek assistance from official consumer protection agencies or platforms dedicated to combating pension scams. Document all communication and provide this information when reporting.
Stay updated on common pension scams through government or official websites. Never make payments or disclose sensitive information if you are unsure of the legitimacy of the request. Use AI-based tools or online resources that detect scam websites related to pensions, as noted by fraud detection coalitions using AI technologies.
By following these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to this new pension scam in Russia. For specific details about the reporting mechanisms in your area, it is advisable to contact your local pension authority or law enforcement.
- Be wary of unsolicited contacts claiming to offer pension recalculation or savings protection, as these could be part of a new pension scam in Russia that extorts money from victims.
- In light of the pension scam in Russia, it's important to verify the legitimacy of any pension-related offers before sharing personal data or making payments, and to report any suspicious activity to local authorities or official consumer protection agencies.
