Cybercriminals Target Russians with Fake Utility Bill Scams

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned about new multi-stage operations by fraudsters.

Consensus

Mothers are using fake utility bill recalculations to trick Russians into revealing personal data.
Attackers are using fake messages in messengers to obtain SMS codes.
The goal is to gain access to personal accounts, including on 'Gosuslugi'.
Mothers are using fake websites and chat bots to simulate real interactions.
Victims are being asked to provide personal information such as full name, date of birth, and phone number.
The schemes involve creating fake groups or chats with bots to mimic real conversations.
Experts and authorities have warned about these scams.

Points of divergence

Attackers are using closed groups in messengers and posing as energy suppliers. — vesti
Attackers are using SMS codes for electronic diaries and also exploiting vulnerabilities in public apps. — vedomosti
Attackers are using fake utility bills sent via email and offering fake drone alert services. — vm
Attackers are posing as employees of 'Mosenergosbyt' and using fake 'Gosuslugi' bots. — tg_rian_ru
Attackers are placing announcements on building bulletin boards about meter replacement. — tg_tass_agency
Attackers are targeting online gamers with fake giveaways and exchanges. — m24

Coverage (20 sources)

MVD: scammers convince victims to commit crimes under the guise of a "secret operation" — Москва 24
Scammers started deceiving Russians in the name of court representatives, reported TASS member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation Yevgeny Masharov... — ТАСС (Telegram)
Scammers devised a new scheme to defraud Russians with transfers to digital rubles. This follows from materials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with which... — ТАСС (Telegram)
Central Bank of Russia warned about a fraudulent scheme targeting children — Вести
Scammers use debt scheme on taxes to deceive citizens — Вести
Scammers started defrauding Russians after purchases in 'Asha' and 'Lemana Pro' stores, reported by TASS member of the RF OP Mash... — ТАСС (Telegram)
Scammers deceive buyers of 'Aushan' and 'Leman pro' — Вести
Scammers began sending fake messages to Russians about debts for housing and utilities — Вести
In the Ministry of Internal Affairs warned about new multi-stage operations of fraudsters — Коммерсантъ
Scammers are conducting multi-stage operations to deceive — Вести
Scammers invented a new way to cheat Russians before the heating season — Вести
Reminded Russians that hidden filming can lead to prison — Вести
Scammers began threatening account blockage for Russians returning from abroad — Коммерсантъ
In the Ministry of Internal Affairs warned about a scheme of fraudsters with the details of random people — Вести
Scammers began deceiving Russians after returning from foreign trips — Вечерняя Москва
Returning Russians from abroad face a new scam scheme — Вести
Scammers devised a new fraud scheme for Russians returning from abroad, according to materials from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, with which... — ТАСС (Telegram)
Scammers started sending fake notifications about blocking on marketplaces — Вечерняя Москва
Scammers frighten Russians with profile blocks on marketplaces, according to materials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which TASS reviewed. — ТАСС (Telegram)
Scammers start scaring Russians with profile blocks on marketplaces — Москва 24

Cybercriminals Target Russians with Fake Utility Bill Scams

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (20 sources)

Key entities

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