Ahead of the year’s end, financial fraud experts warn that scammers in Russia are leaning on four primary methods to dupe people and siphon money from bank accounts. A cybersecurity specialist at the Central Federal District of the Bank of Russia outlined these schemes to socialbites.ca, highlighting how criminals adapt during the holiday season and the New Year countdown.
The first method targets travel plans. Fraudsters set up convincing websites that appear to handle flight and train bookings, hotel reservations, tours, and excursions. Their aim is to capture card details under the guise of securing travel arrangements, then quickly drain funds from unsuspecting customers.
Advice centers on vigilance when confronted with New Year hotel deals and holiday packages that seem unusually cheap. To minimize risk, it is wiser to use the official channels of hotels, airlines, and rail operators, or trusted travel aggregators. Do not be swayed by indicators like messages stating that many people are viewing a listing. Payment forms should redirect to a legitimate payment gateway, often accompanied by a new secure popup and a recognizable secure protocol. Look for established payment brands such as MIR Accept, Verified by Visa, and MasterCard SecureCode in the corner of the page.
The second tactic concerns entertainment. Scammers flood the market with fake tickets for ballets, Nutcracker performances, Christmas markets, and ice shows. Potekhin notes that fraudsters frequently list tickets at two to three times the official price, creating a false sense of urgency and exclusivity that persuades quick purchases.
In the third line of attack, holiday gifts are the lure. Perfume sets, cosmetics, alcohol, and gift assortments flood social networks around New Year’s Eve. Many buyers are careful, yet some fall for scams. Because of the difficulty in policing rapidly changing ads, prudent shoppers prefer purchasing gifts from merchants they or their friends have previously trusted.
The fourth method leverages discounts. With the Black Friday mindset extending through December, many sites promise big savings. But the surge in discount-oriented scams during the holiday season is real, and shoppers should treat such offers with suspicion until verified by reputable sources.
Overall, Potekhin emphasizes that fraudulent sites proliferate when the holidays approach. A site may mimic a legitimate retailer with high-quality imagery, competitive pricing, and a polished layout, including a formal order form. Caution is advised against clicking links received through email or messaging apps, especially when the sender is unknown. A safer practice is to manually enter the store or marketplace URL into the browser’s address bar, or to bookmark trusted sellers and access them directly.
To maximize safety, Potekhin recommends using official mobile apps published by sellers whenever available, as apps from recognized vendors tend to implement stronger authentication and secure payment paths.
Industry observers remind the public that financial fraud can escalate quickly during peak shopping periods. The advice is practical and straightforward: verify sources, stick to known apps and sites, and keep payment information shielded from suspicious requests.
These insights, voiced by cybersecurity professionals who monitor digital fraud trends, underscore the need for ongoing vigilance throughout the holiday season and into the New Year, particularly for those who rely on online purchases, tickets, and gift deliveries. Since cyber threats adapt with the calendar, staying informed and cautious remains the best defense against fraudsters who prey on seasonal generosity.