Warning: Senior Scam Targeted by Mystics in the Moscow Region

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Warning: Scam Targeting Seniors Posed as Spiritual Guidance in the Moscow Region

In the Moscow region, a troubling incident revealed how scammers can pose as mystics to exploit vulnerable people. A retired couple from Serpukhov saw a television advertisement for a clairvoyant and decided to call the number provided to learn whether misfortune or a so-called evil eye might be affecting them.

During the first phone call, the clairvoyant stressed an urgent threat to the couple. They were told immediate action was necessary to stop the damage and safeguard their wellbeing. Trusting the caller, the retirees agreed to follow the suggested remedies and began a series of paid sessions aimed at dispelling the alleged harm and restoring balance in their lives.

As the sessions continued, the demand for more payments grew. The person behind the scam asserted that certain tasks could only be completed if additional funds were transferred. The retirees, convinced that time was of the essence, sent their savings — totaling about 12.3 million rubles — to the provided accounts with promises of eventual relief.

Only later did the couple realize they had been deceived. The pattern included a staged sense of urgency, promises of quick results, and escalating payment requests, all consistent with fraud schemes used by scammers posing as spiritual advisers. After recognizing the loss, the pensioners filed a police report to pursue accountability and recover the funds through legal channels. Law enforcement opened a criminal investigation charging fraud carried out on a particularly large scale by an organized group, suggesting multiple actors were involved.

The case highlights a broader risk landscape in which vulnerable residents may encounter manipulation through seemingly legitimate channels. It serves as a cautionary tale about engaging with unsolicited financial requests tied to spiritual or mystic services. Community awareness, along with timely reporting to authorities, can deter similar schemes and protect others from falling prey to such tactics.

Context from earlier episodes shows that attempts to influence personal relationships or induce fear for monetary gain are not rare. In a prior instance in the capital city, a person reportedly sought to affect an ex-partner through manipulation tied to financial promises, resulting in a substantial financial loss for the victim. The pattern of coercion and urgency remains consistent across these scenarios, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny before transferring money in response to professional or personalized service offers of this nature.

Residents are advised to verify the legitimacy of service providers, especially those who reach out through media channels or cold calls. Genuine professionals typically operate with transparent channels, clear pricing, and verifiable credentials. If a proposal requires urgent payments or asks for a large money transfer, pause, seek independent advice, and report suspicious activity to the authorities. Public awareness about these scams remains a vital line of defense for communities in the region and beyond.

Authorities encourage individuals who encounter similar schemes to document communications, retain records, and contact law enforcement promptly. Sharing experiences helps build understanding of the tactics used by scammers and informs future preventative measures. As investigations progress, official updates will describe outcomes and any protective steps recommended for residents facing ambiguous solicitations tied to spiritual or mystical services. [Citation: regional law enforcement statement]

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