Across recent investigations, scammers have shifted their tactics to exploit video calls conducted through instant messaging apps, targeting Russian users with alarming success. A major news outlet reported this trend, citing information from VTB Bank, illustrating how the fraud scheme has evolved in the digital age.
According to Nikita Chugunov, a Senior Vice President at VTB, the scammers initiate contact by posing as bank representatives. If the initial claim fails to gain trust, the fraudsters escalate by placing a second call that includes a video link showing the interior of a bank office. This visual reinforcement aims to create a convincing illusion of legitimacy and security, making victims more receptive to the scammer’s requests. (Source: News, attributed to VTB)
In many cases, the goal is to persuade the target to take a loan, change the number linked to their account, transfer funds to a so-called secure account, or update a banking app. Some schemes involve installing remote access tools or asking for permission to check the device’s functionality. Once trust is established, the fraudsters request SMS verification codes, fabricating various reasons to justify this request and gain access to the client’s account. (Source: VTB press briefing)
Chugunov stressed that instant messaging platforms have become the primary channel for these scams, with the share of fraudulent activity conducted via chats rising rapidly since the start of the year. The proportion of attacks carried out over messaging apps now dwarfs traditional phone-based schemes, reaching about two thirds of reported incidents. The strategy also includes the potential misuse of captured photos and videos of customers, expanding the scope of what criminals can weaponize in social engineering attempts. (Source: VTB briefing, corroborated by national security advisories)
Lyudmila Nefedova, who leads the Moscow prosecutor’s office press service, reminded the public that personal and financial data must never be shared with unknown parties, regardless of how convincing the caller or message may appear. This includes bank card data, secret SMS codes, or any other credentials. Staying vigilant and verifying through official channels is repeatedly advised as a precautionary principle in financial safety. (Source: Moscow prosecutor’s office communications)
Earlier reports highlighted similar patterns where scammers lure Russians into revealing banking information via instant messaging, signaling a persistent danger in the evolving digital landscape. Authorities urge residents to treat any unexpected contact with skepticism, pause before sharing sensitive information, and contact the bank directly through known numbers or the official app if in doubt. (Source: ongoing security briefings, as cited by News)