In this new scam scheme, perpetrators reach out to victims and steal money on behalf of their leaders, feigning a mission to shield them from criminal prosecution. This report comes from Prime agency, citing the press service of Sberbank as the source of the claim.
Most often the fraudsters operate through Telegram. They create profiles that imitate real leaders, not by using a fake account with a different name, but by copying the visible identity and behavior of a genuine figure. Their approach is direct and abrupt; there is no slow build. They call without warning, catching the target off guard and breaking the rhythm of any normal conversation.
Then the impersonated leader announces a surprising development: the victim is said to be under the protection of the FSB, and the voice on the call hands the line to a security guard who claims to act on official orders. The caller asserts that money must be moved to accounts controlled by the security services for safekeeping. The narrative frames the transfer as urgent, essential to avoid treason charges and to protect national security, painting the move as a legitimate safeguard rather than a theft.
At this point the caller emphasizes that the boss has provided clear guidance to the employee on how to preserve the funds by routing them into a so‑called safe account. The victim is repeatedly assured that following these steps will preserve the money and prevent any loss of access to their own funds. The tension escalates as the supposed authorities insist on secrecy and speed, hoping to prevent the victim from verifying the claim or seeking a second opinion.
If the target hesitates or questions the procedure, the fraudsters reinforce the manipulation by citing supposed insider knowledge and offering reassurances that the operation is backed by high‑level officials. The narrative often leverages fear of legal consequences and a sense of urgency to push the victim toward completing the transfer. In many cases the victim ends up transferring money to the described secure account and unable to retrieve it later, realizing that access to the funds is permanently compromised.
Experts from Sberbank have warned that the attackers rely on psychological triggers such as authority, urgency, and fear of punishment. The scam relies on the victim believing a premium line of defense exists through the security apparatus, and that acting quickly is the only way to protect themselves. The fraudsters also exploit the familiarity of a real leader’s profile to diminish suspicion, making the first impression feel authentic and trustworthy.
Public safety officials advise individuals to pause and verify any claim that involves official institutions or the transfer of funds. Independent confirmation should be sought through official channels, such as contacting the institution directly using publicly listed numbers or verified contact methods. Never disclose personal banking details or provide access to accounts in response to a cold call or a message from a profile that imitates a known leader. If there is any doubt, it is safer to end the conversation and report the encounter to the institution’s fraud department or local authorities. The goal is to create a clear, verifiable trail and to prevent a victim from being pressured into a hasty action that could result in permanent financial loss.
This pattern highlights the importance of skepticism when confronted with messages that claim extraordinary authority or urgent legal peril. Staying calm, independently verifying claims, and consulting trusted sources can prevent these crimes. Banks and security agencies continue to publish guidance on recognizing social engineering attacks and on safeguarding personal and financial information. The best defense remains a disciplined verification process that keeps money in the rightful accounts and away from schemes that masquerade as official actions. The public is urged to share this information with family and colleagues to reduce the risk of falling for such frauds. The objective is to ensure that individuals understand how these operations unfold and know how to respond safely in the moment of contact.