Warning: New Bank Fraud Tactics Targeting Cardholders and How to Stay Safe
Experts warn that scammers in Russia are persisting with a troubling fraud method in which victims are called pretending to be bank representatives. The caller urges the person to share personal data and insists the request is tied to an application to change the phone number linked to the account. The pattern has been reported by multiple sources and remains a common ploy in financial fraud schemes.
In recent cases, a journalist reports receiving a call from someone posing as a bank employee. The caller claimed to be verifying or approving a request to switch the phone number associated with the bank account. The point of the scam is to create a sense of legitimacy, prompting the victim to reveal sensitive information or authorize changes that can compromise access to funds. In several instances, the fraudster then allegedly contacted the real bank to cover their tracks, prompting the bank to confirm that the call was fraudulent and that the supposed request was not initiated by the customer. This pattern underscores how scammers attempt to blend in with routine banking conversations to gain trust.
According to security experts, this remains one of the most persistent forms of phone-based fraud. The schemes often rely on convincing storytelling and persistent pressure to obtain information or access. While the tactics have evolved, the core goal remains the same: to take control of the customer’s phone number and, in many cases, their financial access. Reports show that complaints about this type of scam have increased since early 2022, indicating a growing awareness that these attacks can be ongoing and damaging.
To protect against this fraud, experts advise a simple precaution: never engage with a bank representative through contact channels that appear in unsolicited calls. If a phone number or service contract page prompts a request to change account details, the customer should independently verify the bank’s official contact methods. Do not rely on the number shown during the call. Instead, use a separate, trusted source to reach the bank and confirm whether any request is legitimate. This approach helps disrupt the scam and keeps personal data secure.
Analysts note that the attackers have introduced new twists to earlier theft methods, continually refining their approach to persuade victims. The evolving nature of these tactics means that staying informed and cautious is essential for individuals managing their own accounts. By recognizing the telltale signs of impersonation and sticking to verified channels, people can reduce the risk of unauthorized changes and potential losses.
In the end, the key message from experts is clear: banks will never pressure customers to reveal sensitive information over a random phone call. Any legitimate request to change account details should be pursued through official, independently verified channels. By maintaining this discipline, individuals can safeguard their finances against this persistent form of fraud.