In recent reports from Russia, scammers have crafted a fresh ruse aimed at drivers. The alert comes via Izvestia, with insights attributed to Kaspersky Lab. The ploy begins with emails that promise a lucrative deal on fuel cards; the message claims drivers can buy a fuel card at half price and refuel for 10,000 rubles by paying only 5,000 rubles. The fraudsters bolster the claim by citing a specific regulation on fuel compensation and by listing the contact details of an expert who allegedly answers questions.
Those who entertain the offer are advised to click a link that supposedly reveals the source of the fraud. Once the victim enters bank card details and completes the purchase, the attackers vanish with the money, leaving nothing to show for the promised discount.
Cybersecurity researchers from Kaspersky Lab note a sharp spike in these messages. In a span of eight days, about 24,000 emails of this type were recorded. A subset of drivers, believing in the legitimacy of the offer, transferred funds to the scammers. The pattern shows how scammers seek to appear trustworthy by mirroring official language and presenting convenient, high-value deals that feel hard to resist.
Experts advise that drivers should approach any offer of this kind with caution. Legitimate fuel discounts do not come through unsolicited emails or unfamiliar online links. If a message seems suspicious, it is best to verify through official company channels or consumer protection services and to avoid sharing card details or making immediate payments. Marked citations from cybersecurity researchers emphasize the importance of skepticism when deals sound too good to be true and of reporting such attempts to appropriate authorities. [Attribution: Kaspersky Lab]
This issue underscores a broader risk landscape faced by drivers and online shoppers. As digital scams evolve, so does the need for vigilance and education about phishing, social engineering, and fraudulent payment requests. Consumers in Canada and the United States are advised to treat unexpected offers with skepticism, confirm authenticity through known contact points, and monitor bank statements for unusual activity. The ongoing guidance from cybersecurity teams stresses not clicking on links in unsolicited emails and not providing personal or financial information without proper verification. [Attribution: Kaspersky Lab]