Russia's Media and Communications Watchdog Warns Public about Deceptive Messages Impersonating Department Officials
Residents in the Kherson region and several other Russian regions have received suspicious messages purportedly from Roskomnadzor. The messages claim that an incoming call has been disconnected due to suspected fraud, and advise recipients to contact a hotline if they received a call asking for personal data. However, Roskomnadzor has clarified that its staff do not initiate contact with citizens via phone calls or messages.
As a precaution, Russians are encouraged not to dial phone numbers from such messages under any circumstances. The Ministry of Internal Affairs' Department for Combating the Illegal Use of Information and Communication Technologies has warned that such messages are part of schemes designed to persuade potential victims to reach out to scammers themselves.
These scams, known as the "double calling scheme," involve scammers mimicking official entities to build trust and extract sensitive information. In some cases, scammers may impersonate Roskomnadzor to carry out fraudulent activities.
To avoid such scams, it is advised to verify the authenticity of any suspicious calls or messages by contacting Roskomnadzor's official number. Citizens are also urged not to disclose personal data, passwords, or bank card numbers in response to unsolicited calls or messages. If fraud is suspected, reports can be made to the Center for Legal Assistance to Citizens in the Digital Environment, a subordinate enterprise of Roskomnadzor.
For enhanced digital safety, it is recommended to practice digital hygiene and be cautious with links and attachments from unknown sources. Using secure communication channels and consulting trusted sources can provide additional protection when making transactions or disclosures.
Technology plays a significant role in these scams, with criminals impersonating official entities like Roskomnadzor to target unsuspecting victims via general-news platforms or crime-and-justice segments. To stay protected, it's essential to verify the authenticity of any suspicious calls or messages, especially those relating to personal data or banking information, and refrain from disclosing sensitive details to unknown sources.
