Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA) and the QIWI Bank telegram channel have issued a warning to customers about the rise of fake websites designed to imitate legitimate financial services. The messages stress that these counterfeit sites are attempts to mislead users and extract funds, often by promising easy access to money through fraudulent methods.
The DIA notes that the real bank’s website has been inaccessible due to a licensing issue. This online interruption is part of a broader investigation and regulatory action surrounding the bank, which has spurred heightened vigilance among consumers who rely on digital banking services.
According to the DIA statement, a troubling number of twin websites—copies of QIWI Bank’s online presence and other financial service portals—have appeared across the internet. These sites lure victims with offers to withdraw funds from a credit institution in exchange for a fee, a classic sign of a scam. The agency warns that all such platforms are fraudulent and are actively targeting unsuspecting citizens for financial gain.
As of late February, the DIA provided preliminary data indicating that QIWI Bank still holds assets capable of meeting its obligations to creditors. The agency disclosed that the organization manages approximately 9.3 million user electronic wallets with total funds estimated at 4.4 billion rubles. Earlier, on February 21, the Central Bank of Russia formally revoked the bank’s license after identifying multiple violations, a move that has significant implications for customers and creditors alike.
The licensing decision underscores ongoing concerns about the bank’s compliance and operational failures within the Russian financial system. In the wake of the revocation, customers are advised to monitor official communications from regulatory authorities and to rely on sanctioned channels for any banking activities. The situation highlights the importance of verifying site authenticity and exercising caution when interacting with online financial services, especially during periods of regulatory action and asset disposition procedures.
At present, authorities and the DIA reiterate that the best protection for customers is to refer only to verified, licensed institutions and to report suspicious activity to the appropriate bodies. Consumers should be wary of mirroring domains or sites that mimic legitimate banks, and they should avoid providing personal or financial details on unconfirmed platforms. The public is encouraged to use official sources for updates and to seek confirmation from recognized regulators before attempting any transactions related to QIWI Bank or similar financial services. [DIA] [Central Bank of Russia]