Brand protection experts warn that counterfeiters and fake sellers are increasingly exploiting the rapid growth of online markets, especially as foreign brands retreat from the Russian market. BrandSecurity founder Ruslan Krivulin explains that scammers are adapting quickly, using the same brands that legitimate sellers rely on to mislead buyers and gain trust. This trend underscores the need for vigilance in every online shopping experience, particularly on marketplaces that host a large volume of third-party sellers. Attribution: BrandSecurity – Ruslan Krivulin.
Marketplaces are actively trying to curb the spread of counterfeit goods by policing listings that pretend to be original or licensed products. Yet fraudsters sometimes obtain fake permissions for moderation from the copyright holder, presenting further risk to unwary buyers. This creates a deceptive loop where fake approvals and counterfeit branding appear credible to the average consumer. Attribution: BrandSecurity.
Krivulin advises buyers to scrutinize the seller’s origin, look at sales history, and compare price levels. A price that is 5 to 10 times lower than the usual market rate is unlikely to reflect legitimate discounts or promotions. Buyers should also check the official brand page for information on authorized retailers to avoid shopping outside verified stores. Attribution: BrandSecurity.
Earlier, Dmitry Sakov, head of the Digital Economy League testing laboratory group, told socialbites.ca that banks and online marketplaces often entice new and returning customers with enhanced cashback offers, which fraudsters exploit for phishing. This pattern has been observed for several years, emphasizing the need for cautious engagement with offers that seem too good to be true. Attribution: Digital Economy League.
In a related development, Russian developers announced the creation of an artificial intelligence system in mid-February capable of instantly identifying messages from scammers, a tool aimed at reducing social engineering attempts. This initiative signals growing tech-based defenses against fraud in the online ecosystem. Attribution: Tech Community.
Meanwhile, Sber — the major Russian bank — reported blocking thousands of fraudulent cards as part of ongoing anti-fraud measures, reflecting banks’ continued commitment to safeguarding customers amid rising digital risks. Attribution: Financial Security Agencies.