The central bank has sounded the alarm about a fraudulent scheme that pretends to assist people in buying foreign shares. Officials point to Valery Lyakh, who leads the department dedicated to countering unfair practices at the RBC Bank of Russia, speaking on behalf of the regulator. The core warning remains clear: criminals try to gain trust by posing as a broker or a service that promises to facilitate investments abroad.
In practical terms, the scam unfolds through a coordinated outreach to potential investors. A group of attackers may use the name or backing of a legitimate brokerage, proposing an easy path to purchase cryptocurrency and then move those funds into a broker’s account under the guise of financing trades in foreign shares. As soon as the transfer appears complete, the cryptocurrency is redirected to a wallet controlled by the criminals, the hoped-for gains evaporate, and the investor is left with financial loss and a damaged view of legitimate trading channels.
Lyakh notes that this approach is not a new ruse but a modern rewrite of a familiar trick. The old tactic of depositing money into someone else’s card number now carries the lure of huge profits tied to overseas markets. It serves as a reminder that criminals continually adapt their methods to exploit how people perceive opportunities in global investments.
The danger is amplified by social engineering. The attackers weave convincing narratives, timed appeals, and messages tailored to look like they 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 both Russia and global markets, regulators report that social engineering accounts for a substantial share of card thefts and unauthorized transfers, underscoring the need for vigilance at every stage of the investment process.
North American financial institutions have faced similar attempts, with criminals creating scenarios that blur the line between legitimate trading and deceptive solicitations. Consumers should verify every instruction involving large transfers, cryptocurrency movements, or cross-border investments. Independent confirmations, two-factor authentication, and direct contact through known official channels should be the default practice. When in doubt, pause, recheck the source, and consult the broker’s official platform or customer service line before acting.
Experts emphasize that legitimate brokers will not pressure investors to move assets quickly or promise guaranteed returns in foreign markets. Real investment opportunities come with transparent disclosures, clear risk warnings, and documented authorization procedures. If a message asks to bypass standard checks or requests sensitive information via email or messaging apps, it should be treated as suspicious and reported to the proper authorities or the broker’s fraud department. The best defense is a calm, methodical approach and a habit of verifying every claim against official sources.
In practical terms, staying safe means adopting a routine that protects assets at every step of the investment journey. Start with education: learn the typical red flags of social engineering, such as unusual requests, sudden changes in payment methods, or pressure to act immediately. Next, practice due diligence: verify the broker’s identity, confirm the platform’s legitimacy, and ensure that any cryptocurrency transfer is conducted through formal, audited processes. Finally, strengthen security: use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor account activity regularly for unfamiliar transactions. These steps can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to sophisticated schemes that blend crypto with foreign equity trading.
The regulators consistently remind investors that every investment carries potential risk until proven safe. Individuals should seek clear documentation, understand the precise steps involved in any cross-border operation, and never reveal confidential data or login credentials to anyone who does not appear in official communications. By staying cautious about high-pressure sales tactics and sticking to verified channels, individuals can explore overseas opportunities with greater confidence while minimizing exposure to fraud.