Scammers are increasingly targeting Russian users by leveraging specialized announcement applications to mask their real numbers and reach people directly through in app calling features. This trend has been reported by the press service of VTB Bank as part of a growing ring of fraud attempts that adapt to new technologies used by everyday digital platforms.
The core warning explains that criminals have discovered a new channel within the advertising platform. The attackers exploit the platform’s internal calling function, which allows registered users to place calls without exposing personal contact details. They present themselves as legitimate contacts tied to an advertisement, prompting unsuspecting users to answer and engage in conversation that feels trustworthy because it is initiated from within the service itself.
According to the advisory, this tactic is used to lure people into breaches of financial safety. The fraudsters time their approach to coincide with the moment a user answers a call, giving the impression that they are responding to a legitimate inquiry about an advertisement. The interaction follows a familiar scam script where the caller first probes for information about the user’s funds, later offering supposed safety measures or a quick solution that requires sharing sensitive details or transferring money.
Industry security experts point out that the rise of artificial intelligence tools is accelerating the evolution of scam schemes. The commentary notes that criminal groups are experimenting with deepfake technologies and other AI-enabled methods to create more convincing voices and realistic call scenarios, making it harder for users to distinguish genuine contacts from fake ones.
There is also concern about regulatory and oversight pressures as digital platforms expand their use of virtual communication channels. Observers caution that while such features improve convenience, they must be paired with robust verification and strong consumer protections. The situation underscores the need for users to verify any financial requests through independent channels and to maintain healthy skepticism when confronted with unsolicited contact that arrives via a platform’s internal call feature, especially if it seems connected to a prior online interaction or advertisement.