There is a growing threat on YouTube Shorts where scammers post brief videos in Russian aimed at deceiving Russian schoolchildren and taking their money by promising easy earnings from the internet. The scam pattern was outlined by Kaspersky Lab experts, with the approach summarized in their published analysis.
All the videos in these scam accounts share a uniform type and feature the same game-related visuals, often using the hashtag #Minecraft while showing static game images. This consistency is deliberate, designed to push the content higher in the feeds of potential victims and to build a plausible arc that recruits viewers into the fraud.
Within the short clips, scammers direct viewers to a fuller video on a secondary YouTube channel. The aim is to create a sense of legitimacy by offering a seamless pathway to more content that can further persuade viewers before a final step is taken.
The investigation noted that schoolchildren are being prompted to earn money online without any upfront investments through a Telegram bot linked in the full video. The bot is connected to a popular cryptocurrency exchange and asks users to replenish an electronic wallet before promising that deposits will double within a week. In reality, the funds are siphoned into the attackers’ control.
At the moment of discovery, the analyzed video had amassed a substantial view count, with tens of thousands of views recorded. Content analysts reported a flood of comments, most of which appear supportive or encouraging. However, many of these comments can be orchestrated by the fraud ring to simulate endorsement and trust, making the scheme seem more credible to newer viewers. The pattern mirrors a broader tactic where attackers seed positive feedback to influence new targets and bypass initial skepticism.
Cases like these are not isolated. Similar campaigns have been observed in other online video formats where malicious actors disguise harmful files or links within descriptions tied to popular gaming content. The overarching goal remains consistent: lure, persuade, and monetize through trust built in a short time frame, often without leaving obvious upfront warnings for younger audiences. The emphasis on a familiar gaming theme and the easy conversion of curiosity into action are hallmarks of this multi-stage fraud strategy. The risks extend beyond immediate financial loss to include exposure to phishing, malware, and potential data theft, especially for users who reuse passwords or follow weak security practices.
Experts emphasize the importance of awareness and safeguards. Viewers should avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar sources, especially when a video hints at earnings or rapid returns. It is crucial to verify any offer through official channels and to treat messages that promise quick profits with caution. Educational institutions and families are encouraged to discuss digital literacy with students, focusing on recognizing suspicious patterns such as unusual requests for money, unexpected wallet transfers, or prompts to engage with third-party apps from within video descriptions. If a user suspects involvement in a scam, reporting the content to the platform and seeking guidance from trusted local resources can help reduce harm and protect others from falling victim to similar schemes. This particular cluster of fraud highlights how swiftly scammers can adapt to new mediums while maintaining familiar storytelling tropes that appeal to a young audience. The evolving nature of these threats calls for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures from parents, teachers, and platform operators to safeguard children while preserving access to legitimate online learning and entertainment. In-depth analyses from security researchers provide actionable indicators to monitor and report, contributing to a safer online environment for all users.