When Russians face scam calls, the first step is to redirect attention away from the topic of the conversation. Experts recommend shifting the focus to something tangible or actionable. Simple actions can steady the mind and help break the hypnotic pull of a scammer. Breathing exercises, for example, can be a quick reset: acknowledge the sensation of pressure, take a slow, deep breath, and exhale while counting. This brief pause helps restore clarity and centers the person in the moment.
To prevent falling for phone tricks, it is crucial to understand possible scammer strategies and common requests. Any caller who asks for a one-time SMS code, a three-digit number on the back of a card, or a money transfer is almost certainly a fraudster. Building critical thinking and verifying information are essential. When in doubt, pause before reacting and assess the situation with a clear, skeptical eye.
Instruction to families and friends is to practice a calm, deliberate response. If something feels off, take a moment to reconsider and check details before sharing any sensitive information. A short break can prevent a hasty mistake and protect finances and personal data.
Experienced observers note that scammers often use two broad approaches to select victims. Some calls come to random numbers, while others are carefully crafted to match a person’s profile. Recognizing these patterns can prompt quicker, safer reactions, such as independent verification and seeking a second opinion from a trusted source before taking action.
There have been reports of fraudulent activity involving couriers and pensions, where a supposed payment or delivery request leads to significant losses. Such cases underscore the importance of staying vigilant, resisting pressure, and confirming every claim through official channels before making any transfer or sharing confidential information.