Scammers have started sending invitations to Russians via email, proposing a personal meeting at the Central Bank. The regulator warned about this scheme on its Telegram channel.
“The scammers have escalated their disguise, posing as Central Bank staff. They now not only call people on behalf of the Bank of Russia, but also email invitations for in-person meetings at the central institution.”
– reports the broadcast.
In short, the Central Bank outlines a fraud scheme intended to fool Russians:
– the message opens with a personal salutation using the recipient’s full name, specifies a likely time for an appointment, and mentions the Bank of Russia branch in the recipient’s region;
– the sender appears to come from the Central Bank by using a cbr.ru domain, sometimes with a spoofed or altered email address;
– after sending the invitation, the scammers reach out again with various pretexts, attempting to extract card details, an SMS code, or to persuade the recipient to transfer funds.
The organizer reiterates that no one from the Central Bank will initiate personal meetings, make phone calls, send copies of documents, or request money transfers.
Precaution against scammers
On the regulator’s site, a dedicated section explains how to spot and resist these tricks. The main tactic centers on psychological pressure: attackers aim to disrupt calm and disable logical thinking. The Central Bank notes that scammers often try to frighten people or entice them with unexpected financial opportunities.
The guidance stresses practical steps to stay safe: never share passport data or any financial details (card numbers, CVV, or SMS codes) on social networks, avoid shopping online through unverified channels, and distrust messages from so-called bank representatives offering to handle transactions. If there is any doubt, contact the bank using the phone number printed on the back of the card or through official channels already known to the account holder.
Central Bank recommendations don’t always protect everyone
There have been high-profile cases where fraud succeeded despite warnings. In February 2022, a 39-year-old chief economist at the Central Bank reported becoming a victim after receiving a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement. The caller claimed unidentified individuals were attempting to obtain a large loan in the economist’s name. The bank employee provided requested information, and funds were later transferred to a so‑called safe account.
In June 2022, the general manager of a security company recounted another incident. An unknown person purporting to be an inspector with the Ministry of Internal Affairs warned that scammers had drained funds from the account. The victim did not act immediately, but was eventually persuaded by a second impersonation to withdraw money and move it to a backup account. A zesty or threatening tone and an authoritative voice often accompanied these ruses, with the attackers sometimes posing as a higher‑level officer from the Central Bank or as a genuine law‑enforcement official. The person realized an error only after noting unusual cues during the conversation.
Later that year, a former inspector with the Accounts Chamber described how fraudsters posed as Bank of Russia staff. They claimed personal data had been leaked and warned that criminals could seize savings. The scammers pressed the victim to withdraw funds and transfer them to a temporary, allegedly ‘safe’ account. They even urged selling property to remove potential collateral, a move that only deepened the loss. The victim understood the scam only after a period of reflection and noticing inconsistencies in the callers’ stories.
These cases underscore a recurring truth: even when authorities issue clear warnings, the pressure tactics and urgency created by fraudsters can still mislead people. Awareness remains crucial, and verification through official channels is essential whenever a financial request or a suspicious contact arises. In practice, this means pausing before acting, confirming identities through known numbers, and seeking advice from trusted bank representatives rather than responding to unsolicited prompts. This cautious approach reduces the risk of becoming another statistic in fraud prevention reports.