A new scam scheme has emerged in Russia where callers pose as loan officers and tell victims that a loan has been approved by a prestigious regulator. The claim is fabricated, and the story is designed to exploit trust and fear. The scammer asserts that the loan is already in the bank system and asks the target to verify the application through the bank’s mobile app. The attacker even goes as far as claiming access to the bank’s internal records, suggesting the application sits in a private queue awaiting approval.
During the conversation, the fraudster often shifts to gathering financial information. They ask about how much money the victim has on deposit and which banks hold those funds. The goal is to build a picture of the victim’s wealth and banking relationships, making the ruse seem more credible and personalized. The more the scammer learns, the easier it becomes to persuade the target to disclose sensitive data or to take hasty actions that deepen the deception.
Experts note a troubling trend: scammers frequently invoke the name of a respected financial supervisor to subconsciously reassure their targets. The tactic leverages an implied authority to lower skepticism and increase compliance. In reality, no loan requires approval from the regulator when it involves ordinary consumer credit, and legitimate banks will follow approved channels rather than rely on unsolicited phone confirmations.
There has been a pronounced rise in reports from citizens who encountered such impersonators. The regulator has acknowledged a surge in inquiries and complaints, with thousands of people reaching out after being targeted or witnessing the scheme. Officials urge the public to verify any loan offer directly through official bank applications or websites, and to avoid sharing personal or financial data over the phone or through untrusted channels. Bank representatives also stress that legitimate communications from financial institutions will come through official messaging and secure portals, not through sudden calls asking for access to accounts or for sensitive information.
To protect themselves, individuals should remain cautious when unsolicited claims about loan approvals surface. Verification should rely on direct contact with the bank through verified channels rather than responding to a call that references internal systems or regulators. Before taking any action, it is prudent to pause, check the official bank mobile app, and consult the bank’s customer service line using numbers published on the bank’s official site. If something feels off, ending the call and reporting the incident to the bank or to consumer protection authorities is a recommended course of action. Returning to a secure, known application for confirmation reduces risk and helps identify fraudulent activity quickly.
Public awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of skepticism toward unexpected loan offers, especially those that request access to personal devices or sensitive financial details. Keeping personal information private, updating security settings on mobile devices, and using multi-factor authentication where available are practical steps. Citizens should also document dates, the names used by the caller, and any bank names mentioned, as these details can help authorities track patterns and disrupt fraudulent networks. Authorities remind everyone that legitimate financial services will not pressure individuals into rapid decisions or require bank credentials by phone or message. Reporting suspicious calls promptly can prevent others from experiencing harm and can accelerate the investigation process.