Online Scams in Russia: Complete Guide 2026
Russia's Central Bank reported over ₽16 billion (approximately $175 million) in bank card fraud losses in 2025, with social engineering attacks accounting for the majority. Russia's digital landscape — centered around services like Gosuslugi, Sberbank, and extensive use of messengers — creates specific vulnerabilities targeted by both domestic and international fraud operations.
Banking and Card Fraud
Sberbank, VTB, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank, and Gazprombank are impersonated in phone calls, SMS, and messaging app attacks. The most common scenario: a call from a "bank security service" (служба безопасности банка) informing you about a suspicious transaction and requesting card details or a transfer to a "safe account."
"Здравствуйте, это служба безопасности Сбербанка. По вашей карте зафиксирована подозрительная операция на сумму 45,000 рублей. Для блокировки операции сообщите код из SMS." — (Hello, this is Sberbank security service. A suspicious transaction of 45,000 rubles has been detected on your card. To block the transaction, provide the SMS code.) — Bank employees never ask for SMS codes.
Russia's SBP (Система быстрых платежей, Fast Payment System) enables instant transfers between banks, and scammers exploit its speed and irreversibility.
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Gosuslugi (Government Services) Phishing
Gosuslugi (Госуслуги) is Russia's central government portal, connecting to tax services, pension funds, and social benefits. Phishing attacks impersonating Gosuslugi steal credentials that provide access to extensive personal data and government services. Access only at gosuslugi.ru.
Marketplace and Avito Scams
Avito, Russia's largest classified ads platform, faces extensive fraud. Fake buyers offer to pay through "secure delivery" links that actually lead to phishing pages. Fake sellers collect advance payments and disappear. Ozon and Wildberries marketplace scams also involve fake refund processes and customer service impersonation.
Telegram Scams
Given Telegram's massive popularity in Russia, it serves as a major fraud vector. Investment channels, fake giveaways, account hijacking, and bot-based phishing all operate on Telegram. Never enter personal or financial information through Telegram bots or links shared in channels.
Reporting Scams in Russia
- Police (МВД): 102 or visit your local police department
- Central Bank hotline: 8-800-300-30-00 (for financial fraud)
- Roskomnadzor: For illegal online content
- Your bank's fraud line: Use the number on your card
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