The central bank has warned about a fraudulent scheme that pretends to help people buy foreign shares. The notices reference Valery Lyakh, the head of the department that counters unfair practices at the RBC Bank of Russia, who spoke on behalf of the regulator. The core message is clear: criminals are trying to exploit trust by presenting themselves as a broker or a service that can facilitate investments abroad.
In practical terms, the scam unfolds as follows. A group of attackers contacts potential investors, using the name or backing of a brokerage house. They propose purchasing cryptocurrency and then transferring it into the broker’s account with the stated aim of trading foreign shares. The moment the transfer appears to be completed, the cryptocurrency moves to a wallet controlled by the criminals, and the promised gains never materialize. The investor is left with a loss and a broken line of trust in legitimate trading channels.
Lyakh emphasizes that this tactic is not a new trick but a modern rewrite of a familiar scheme. The old melody of depositing money into someone else’s card number has been given fresh lyrics with the lure of enormous profits tied to overseas markets. It is a reminder that criminals continuously adapt their methods to exploit how people perceive opportunities in global investments.
What makes these schemes particularly insidious is their use of social engineering. The attackers rely on convincing narratives, timeliness, and tailored messages that seem to come from trusted financial institutions. The aim is to extract sensitive information from a bank customer or a broker, enabling unauthorized withdrawals or transfers of money, securities, or cryptocurrencies to the criminals. In Russia and in global markets, regulators report that social engineering accounts for a substantial portion of card thefts and unauthorized transfers, underlining the need for vigilance at every step of the investment process.
Financial institutions in North America have long faced similar attempts, with criminals crafting scenarios that blur the line between legitimate trading activities and deceptive solicitations. Consumers are urged to verify every instruction that involves large transfers, cryptocurrency movements, or cross-border investments. Independent confirmations, two-factor authentication, and direct contact through known official channels should be the default practices. When in doubt, pause, recheck the source, and consult the brokerage’s official platform or customer service line before taking any action.
Experts advise that legitimate brokers will never pressure investors to move assets quickly or promise guaranteed returns in foreign markets. Real investment opportunities are accompanied by transparent disclosures, clear risk warnings, and documented authorization procedures. If a communication arrives that asks to bypass standard checks or requests sensitive information via email or messaging apps, it should be treated as suspicious and reported to the appropriate authorities or the broker’s fraud department. The best defense is a calm, methodical approach and a willingness to verify every claim against official sources.
In practice, staying safe means adopting a routine that protects assets at every stage of the investment journey. Start with education: understand the typical red flags of social engineering, such as unusual requests, sudden changes in payment methods, or a pressure-filled push to act immediately. Next, practice due diligence: verify the broker’s identity, confirm the legitimacy of the platform, and confirm that any cryptocurrency transfer is being conducted through formal, audited processes. Finally, maintain robust security: use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor account activity regularly for any unfamiliar transactions. These steps can dramatically reduce the risk of falling prey to sophisticated schemes that mix crypto with foreign equity trading.
The regulators’ consistent message is simple: treat every investment as potentially risky until proven safe. Investors should demand clear documentation, understand the specific steps involved in any cross-border operation, and never share confidential data or login credentials with anyone who does not appear in official communications. By keeping a healthy distance from high-pressure sales tactics and relying on verified channels, individuals can pursue opportunities abroad with greater confidence while minimizing exposure to fraud.