Fraudsters are devising new ways to pressure Russians into handing over money online, according to a joint report by TASS and the Federal Chamber of Notaries. The message comes as scammers adapt tactics to exploit trust in official documents and digital processes.
Among the most common schemes today is the so‑called notarized power of attorney ruse. In this scam, criminals spread a false story that core documents have fallen into the wrong hands and can be used to seize assets or liquidate property. Victims are urged to act quickly by selling a home themselves and transferring the proceeds, along with all savings, to a “safe account” controlled by the attackers. The apparent urgency and fear of losing assets push people to bypass normal safeguards and act in ways that let criminals drain funds or deprive them of property.
Other frequent methods include aggressive phone calls, deceptive QR codes, and electronic signatures that lead users to fake websites or involve them in online property deals that are not legitimate. These tricks often mimic legitimate processes to lower skepticism and prompt quick, irreversible decisions.
There have also been discussions about how scammers create audio deepfakes to impersonate trusted voices, complicating verification and increasing the risk of convincing social engineering. The use of convincing voice technology can make fraudulent requests sound authentic, which has raised concerns about the safeguards that should be in place when handling sensitive documents or financial moves.
Additionally, experts have warned about the potential threats posed by foreign cloud services and the ways access to those platforms can be misused. The issue highlights the importance of monitoring where data is stored and who can access it, especially when dealing with official documents and financial transactions.
Overall, the report underscores the need for vigilance when receiving requests involving notarized documents, transfers, or the sale of property. It also emphasizes the value of verifying identities through multiple channels, maintaining records of communications, and consulting with reputable professionals before taking any action that could affect finances or real estate. As fraudsters continually refine their methods, staying informed about the latest schemes helps individuals recognize red flags and protect their assets. Marked citations from authorities and industry observers point to a pattern of deception that relies on urgency, familiarity with legal terms, and the manipulation of digital tools to create a credible illusion of legitimacy.