People who return money after a transfer from a foreign sender can unexpectedly become involved in fraudulent schemes. This issue was brought to light by the law firm PG Partners, through senior managing partner Petr Gusyatnikov, who spoke with the agency Hit the Primer.
Gusyatnikov explains that scammers sometimes attempt to redirect funds to another account, a different phone number, or altered details to conceal the original transfer. The deception mirrors established schemes that disrupt the chain of transfers and create confusion about where the money really ended up.
In such cases, the safer course is to contact the bank and request that the funds be returned to the sender’s account. The lawyer also notes the importance of verifying the destination of a transfer when a message about the transaction appears, as fraudsters occasionally spoof bank numbers using IP-telephony to imitate legitimate communications.
Gusyatnikov advises that a person should not impulsively return money or seize property simply because of a mistaken transfer. Instead, the rightful recourse for someone who has transferred funds in error is to file a claim in court within three years, seeking recovery of the amount as unjust enrichment. A court is likely to rule in favor of the complainant if the transfer was erroneous and the funds have not reached the intended recipient.
Earlier reporting noted that fraudsters managed to defraud a Russian Treasury employee of 14.5 million rubles, illustrating the scale and variety of schemes that can undermine financial security. In past cases, criminals have also piloted new methods involving SIM card manipulation to further their frauds, adding another layer of risk for individuals and organizations alike.
For residents and businesses in Canada and the United States, awareness of these tactics is essential. Banks and financial institutions often provide guidance on recognizing suspicious transfer attempts, validating recipient details, and initiating trace requests when a transfer seems misdirected. Keeping records, confirming recipient identifiers, and contacting the bank promptly can mitigate potential losses. Financial literacy resources from major banks frequently emphasize the importance of verifying all transfer details before completion and report any unusual requests or messages through official channels. Marked sources attribute these recommendations to financial security authorities and consumer protection agencies, underscoring a shared responsibility to prevent loss and reduce fraud risk.
The evolving nature of fraud means that both individuals and organizations must stay vigilant. Modern schemes can combine SMS spoofing, number porting, and social engineering to persuade victims to act quickly, often in ways that feel urgent and legitimate. Ongoing education about phishing indicators, secure messaging practices, and verification steps helps empower people to pause, confirm, and consult the appropriate financial institution before reacting. Authorities advocate a calm, methodical approach: verify the sender, confirm the transfer path, and report any discrepancies through official bank portals or customer service lines.
Ultimately, the goal is to protect funds and reduce exposure to scams that rely on misdirection and haste. By understanding common red flags, such as unexpected SMS prompts, altered recipient details, or requests to reverse a transfer without proper verification, Canadians and Americans can take proactive steps to safeguard their finances. This collaborative approach among customers, banks, and regulators strengthens the overall security of digital money transfers and helps ensure that recoveries are pursued through correct legal and financial avenues.