Scammers have begun to exploit the power of chatbots that produce convincing, well-phrased texts to lure Russians into clicking on harmful links. Local media reports have noted this troubling development, highlighting how automated writing tools are widening the gap between legitimate communications and fraud in everyday messaging channels.
According to Pavel Korostelev, who leads the product promotion team at a security software company, this new scam tactic is especially timely. The central weakness of classic phishing efforts has long been the language barrier—many scammers struggle to craft messages that read as credible, clear, and persuasive. The ability of bots to generate polished copy shortens the distance between suspicion and trust, making it easier for deceitful messages to blend in with ordinary chats and promotions. In practice, this means a well-written bot message can masquerade as a routine offer, urgent alert, or account notice, nudging recipients toward actions they would normally reject if the text seemed unprofessional or sloppy.
Experts warn that high-quality advertising-style texts significantly elevate the chance that a user visits a malicious site, guided by the perception that the author must be legitimate. This danger is not theoretical: people in Russia and elsewhere are cautioned to treat any unsolicited messages proposing urgent account verification, unusual discounts, or sizable bonuses with skepticism, especially when these messages arrive through popular messaging apps or social feeds. The pattern to watch for includes messages that reference bank-related deals, delivery services, or exaggerated rewards, all designed to trigger a quick, emotionally driven click. These indicators are common footprints of the scam ecosystem, which thrives on speed and social proof to bypass rational scrutiny. [citation: Security researchers and industry reports, 2024]
Additional concerns focus on the additional capabilities that bot-driven texts may enable. Beyond the deceptive content, some scams use chatbots to push malware payloads, including encrypted software and browser extensions meant to harvest sensitive data. The risk extends to password managers and payment details stored within browsers, as they can be siphoned away by these opportunistic plugins after the user is drawn into a fraudulent environment. Security experts advise treating any banking and payment information as highly sensitive, avoiding its storage in browser memory or auto-fill features, and instead using dedicated, trusted tools for secure transactions. This guidance is echoed across cybersecurity advisories and consumer protection channels, emphasizing proactive habits and vigilance in the face of increasingly sophisticated digital threats. [citation: Cybersecurity bulletins, 2024]
In a broader context, the conversation around deception via multimedia tools has grown louder. While the focus here is on text-based scams, the same underlying strategy applies to other formats, including deepfake videos. The repeated theme is that convincing, realistic content lowers the barrier for fraud, turning what would be a cautious response into a moment of compliance. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest phishing tactics, recognize the telltale signs of bot-crafted messages, and maintain healthy skepticism toward unsolicited offers or requests for personal information. The cumulative message is clear: a careful approach to online communications protects individuals and organizations alike from a rising wave of deceptive activity. [citation: Industry analyses, ongoing updates]