In Moscow, a young woman came across a homely-looking online notice about an unusual business opportunity. She followed the link, sent funds, and soon realized she had stepped into a sophisticated scam. The incident was highlighted by a widely followed Telegram channel, which cautions followers about frauds in online marketplaces.
The report describes how a 22-year-old Muscovite discovered a site named Trulala that purportedly dealt in used panties and stockings. Curious about a possible business angle, she reached out to the person who claimed to be the seller. The contact person introduced themselves as Maxim, and they painted a picture of a quick, profitable transaction, urging the buyer to proceed without delay.
The seller asserted that the site was priced at 150,000 rubles and insisted on payment via cryptocurrency. Trusting the pitch, the young woman transferred 1788 USDT through her boyfriend. Immediately after the payment, the seller vanished, deleting all chat history and blocking her access. Realization dawned that she had become the victim of scammers who exploited a seemingly legitimate business deal to steal money and erase traces of correspondence.
Faced with the loss, the victim reported the matter to the police, hoping to recover funds and warn others who might be tempted by similarly polished fraud schemes. The experience underscores the dangers of buying online businesses or digital storefronts from unfamiliar parties who push for rapid transactions and crypto payments, especially when the offer comes with pressure or vague ownership details.
In a separate case earlier reported, a widow from Ufa transferred 665,000 rubles to an individual posing as an American soldier to settle purported taxes in Somalia. These stories collectively illustrate a common thread: scammers tailor their narratives to exploit trust, fear of missing out, and gaps in verification—techniques that work across borders and platforms.
For readers in Canada and the United States who navigate online marketplaces or consider acquiring digital assets, several practical safeguards emerge from these incidents. First, insist on verifiable ownership records, transparent transfer histories, and a clear line of communication with legitimate representatives. Second, avoid cryptocurrency payments for purchases of websites or online storefronts until the deal is verified through secure, auditable channels. Third, perform independent due diligence, including cross-checking domain ownership, hosting history, and any public links to the seller. Fourth, never share sensitive information or grant remote access to systems before a legal contract and escrow arrangement are in place. Finally, report suspicious activity promptly to local authorities and seek guidance from trusted cybersecurity resources to prevent becoming another statistic in online fraud.