A man in Moscow encountered a troubling online scam after sending 4,500 rubles to a woman who claimed to be a Russian resident living in Turkey. She said the funds would cover medicine costs and offered to pass money along to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The story, shared by a Telegram channel connected to Shot, illustrates how digital fraud can play out in real life, especially when money is promised for charitable or humanitarian aims.
The Moscow resident, a 30-year-old worker in the aircraft sector, explained that he was overseas in Turkey and needed medicine. Through a Telegram chat, a woman presenting herself as a Russian in Turkey outlined a plan: she would supervise the purchase, and the medicine would be shipped to Moscow. An intermediary using the name Irina Avramenko claimed she could help make the arrangement succeed. The offer seemed credible enough to prompt action, and the man transferred the requested funds with assurance that the medicine had been bought and would arrive soon at his Moscow address.
As days passed, the promised package never arrived. When the man sought proof, he was asked to provide a photo of a supposed shipment to verify the deal. It became clear that no parcel would be sent. Instead, the money was allegedly redirected to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a twist that highlighted the manipulation at the core of the scam. Realizing the funds had been diverted rather than delivered left the recipient feeling misled and deeply concerned about the broader risk of such frauds.
Officials say the case was reported to law enforcement, and a formal investigation is underway to uncover who was involved and how the scheme operated, including the roles of any middlemen and the tactics used to entice payments. These cases show how scammers exploit sympathy and geopolitical tensions to justify illicit transfers and extract funds from unsuspecting people.
Meanwhile, authorities are examining related allegations of coercive or deceptive schemes involving money claimed to support Ukrainian military efforts. One separate report involves a failed attempt to borrow a large sum from an individual in Dmitrov to shield a soldier from criminal charges linked to financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine. While details are still being reviewed, investigators are validating claims through official channels to ensure public safety and accountability.
Experts warn that online fraud often masquerades as help for essential goods or charitable causes. They stress practical steps to reduce risk: verify identities before transferring money, confirm delivery details with the seller, and avoid funds sent to unfamiliar contacts, especially when the justification involves humanitarian aid or military support. Public safety officials urge people to use verified, official channels for medical purchases or charitable contributions and to report suspicious communications promptly. By staying vigilant and slowing down on financial decisions in uncertain online scenarios, individuals in Canada, the United States, and beyond can better shield themselves from similar scams and protect their money from fraudsters who rely on seemingly legitimate narratives to mask harmful intent.