New Scam Tactics Targeting Home Sellers in Russia — How to Stay Safe

Scammers have introduced a new deceitful tactic aimed at Russians selling housing. They label their messages with the word News, hoping to catch the eye of someone in the middle of a real estate transaction. This fresh ploy hinges on triggering urgency and concern right at the moment when a homeowner might be most vulnerable, especially if they are handling large sums related to a recent sale. In one prominent case highlighted by media coverage, the trick appears to target individuals who still have substantial funds sitting in their accounts after closing a property deal. The term News in the scam context signals a sense of immediacy and credibility, encouraging targets to read the message and consider taking action without taking time to verify the source.