Russians began receiving calls from scammers using Georgian numbers with the code 995. RT attributes the revelation to Ivan Solovyov, described as a prominent Russian attorney. The tactic seems deliberate, aimed at sowing confusion so the recipient believes the caller is dialing from a Russian mobile operator with the code 985. (RT)
There is a single clear motive behind these calls: the caller poses as an employee of a federal department and proceeds with leading questions. He then claims the unit operates from the Moscow region. Attempts are made to withhold the unit’s exact location and the head of the department while insinuating that the person is under investigation under article 327 of the Criminal Code of Russia. The caller may accuse the target of forging a power of attorney or misappropriating funds from someone else’s account as part of the ruse. (Solovyov)
The scam evolves by directing the victim to verify whether stolen funds appear in their own bank account, while encouraging the disclosure of confidential data and facilitating the theft of money. The pattern appears to be a continuation of familiar fraud elements, adapted with new prompts and slightly altered details to trap unsuspecting individuals. (Solovyov)
To protect oneself from such fraud, it is essential to remember a fundamental rule: law enforcement agencies do not resolve issues with citizens over the phone. If authorities need to locate someone or conduct an inquiry, they will request the person to appear at a police station where a formal protocol will be prepared in accordance with legal procedures. Any request for information or access to accounts should be verified through official channels rather than through a one-sided phone conversation.
In prior discussions, it has been noted that scammers frequently target subscribers of popular bloggers or public figures with tempting offers. The pattern highlights a broader risk landscape where attackers exploit trust and social dynamics to push stolen data and funds across borders and networks. (Socialbites.ca)