In 2023, the profile of a typical fraud victim in Russia was clearly outlined by the Central Bank. The analysis drew from a survey that included about 395 thousand participants, helping to map who gets targeted and how losses unfold. The portrait shows a working woman aged between 25 and 44, living in an urban area with a mid-level income and education. This image captures a segment that, by year’s end, represented a majority of reported fraud cases and signals where awareness and protective measures are most needed.
By the close of 2023, women accounted for roughly 55.5 percent of fraud victims in Russia. This share had risen noticeably from the previous year, indicating a shifting pattern in how fraud schemes affect different demographic groups. The data underscore the importance of tailoring prevention efforts to urban professionals who balance work commitments with daily financial responsibilities, as they often engage in digital transactions and online communications where scammers exploit gaps in vigilance.
Among the most frequently encountered fraud modalities, phone-based schemes dominated. Fraudsters used calls and short message service messages to deceive targets, often impersonating legitimate institutions or trusted contacts. The Central Bank also highlighted a growing presence of fraud attempts conducted through instant messaging apps, a trend that reflects how communication channels have expanded and diversified the tools available to criminals.
Throughout the year, a rising share of citizens faced contact from impostors. Approximately one in ten individuals reported being approached by intruders. In many cases, the resulting losses remained relatively small, with the majority of affected victims losing less than twenty thousand rubles. This pattern suggests that while some scams cause modest financial harm, others can escalate based on the victim’s reaction and booking of high-value transfers or card details.
Official guidance from the regulator notes a recurring behavior among victims: personal card information and security codes were often shared with fraudsters via text messages or during fraudulent transfer requests. Such practices—whether through deceptive SMS prompts or manipulated transfer instructions—highlight the persistent risks tied to social engineering and the critical need for verification before acting on any financial request received through digital channels.
Overall, the year 2023 saw a doubling of money stolen by hackers compared with the previous period. This sharp increase underscores sustained threats and the evolving sophistication of fraud schemes. The Central Bank emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong authentication practices, staying wary of unsolicited contact, and adopting safer habits when handling payment credentials. It also reinforces the value of regular monitoring of account activity and promptly reporting any suspicious requests to financial institutions. With urban professionals being a core demographic, targeted education and clear, actionable guidance remain essential to reducing vulnerability and supporting safer digital financial behavior.