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Fraudsters are defrauding Russians under the guise of tax officials. In November, they stole more than 2 million rubles from a Moscow pensioner, claiming that she needed to declare her savings. Izvestia found out what schemes criminals use and how to protect themselves from them.

Under the guise of the tax office

Fraudsters began to deceive Russians in the fall, during the tax payment period. They present themselves as employees of the tax authorities, offer to "declare" savings, and eventually steal them, warned the press service of the Moscow Prosecutor's Office.

Рубли
Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov

They noted that the new scheme has already affected a Moscow pensioner - she was stolen 2.3 million rubles. The woman received a phone call from a fake employee of the Federal Tax Service, who found out that she kept her savings at home, and informed about the need to take the funds for declaration. On the same day, a courier was sent to the victim, who took away all the savings, giving her a fictitious contract in return.

The pensioner realized the deception only when she carefully read the document. She appealed to the police, employees have already detained the courier - he turned out to be a 22-year-old resident of the Kemerovo region, who found a criminal "part-time" on the Internet.

Practiced scheme

"Legends" that use the theme of taxes are among the most practiced by fraudsters, told "Izvestia" the head of the "People's Front" project "For the Rights of Borrowers", coordinator of the platform "Moshelovka" Evgenia Lazareva. Signals to specialists are received regularly, but the traditional peak is at the end of fall. This is due to the fact that the acceptance of tax payments in the country ends on December 1.

- Before this date, scenarios about "the need to declare income and property", "introduction of new taxes", "introduction of new instruments of tax payment and reporting forms" are actively used. After December 1 - about arrears and the need to pay fines," says the expert.

Компьютер
Photo: Izvestia/Eduard Kornienko

According to the coordinator of "Moshelovka", such tricks are popular for the reason that most Russians are not familiar with the intricacies of tax legislation, so they are easily intimidated and deceived.

In the new scheme, says lawyer Sean Betrozov, fraudsters inform Russians about allegedly introduced changes in legislation that require mandatory declaration of all cash. And in case of refusal they threaten large fines or even blocking of bank accounts.

- In order to avoid consequences, the criminal offers a simple way out - to hand over the money to a designated "employee" or transfer it to an "official account" to verify its origin. In doing so, he creates an atmosphere of hurry and stress, claiming that time is very short. Being under pressure, a person may agree to part with his funds, believing that he is fulfilling the requirements of the law," the lawyer explains.

According to him, the effectiveness of such a scheme is also due to people's fear of government agencies. Many Russians, especially older ones, are used to trusting them and are afraid of any legal consequences.

Телефон
Photo: Global Look Press/Kira Hofmann

- They are sure that a mistake in tax matters can lead to serious problems - fines, arrest or even prosecution. In addition, not everyone understands the complex aspects of legislation, which allows fraudsters to use legal terminology and refer to non-existent laws, creating the illusion of legitimacy," concludes the Izvestia interlocutor.

Other scenarios

According to Sean Betrozov, fraudsters have many tax-related schemes in their arsenal. For example, this year the number of cases of fake notices has increased significantly. People receive letters that look like official notices from the tax service, demanding urgent repayment of alleged debts. Often such "debts" are accompanied by threats of seizure of bank accounts or a ban on traveling abroad.

- Also popular is the scheme to refund allegedly overpaid taxes. Fraudsters call citizens and tell them that they are entitled to a large amount of refund, but to receive it, they must first pay a commission or transfer a certain amount to a "tax account". As a result, a person, believing in an easy profit, loses money," says the lawyer.

Налоговая
Photo: RIA Novosti/Nina Zotina

According to him, fraudsters always study the psychology of their victims. They rely on the fear of tax authorities and try to look convincing - for example, using real laws or official-sounding terms. They may refer to specific articles of the tax code or talk about recent changes in the law. This makes people believe they are really talking to a government official.

- In addition, fraudsters use the urgency factor, Russians do not have time to check the information or consult with lawyers, - concludes the lawyer.

Ways of defense

Modern scammers are becoming more and more inventive, but their schemes can be recognized if you are attentive and stay calm. In the case of a suspicious call, it is better to hang up and check the phone number - it must coincide with the official contacts that can be found on the website of the department.

- Then you need to call the tax service yourself at the official numbers and clarify whether you were really sent any requirement. In case of receiving letters with threats, such as arrest of accounts or travel ban, it is important not to react hastily, but to check the authenticity of the notice through the personal cabinet of the taxpayer on the website of the Federal Tax Service, - says Sean Betrozov.

Бабушка
Photo: Global Look Press/Sergei Bulkin

In addition, reminds Evgenia Lazareva, it is important to know that any tax notices, notices and receipts are displayed in the personal office of the taxpayer or the application "My Tax", as well as in the personal office on the portal "Gosuservices".

If you have already become a victim of fraudsters, it is important to immediately contact the police. Even if this will not help you get your money back, at least it will prevent further attempts of fraudsters to deceive other citizens.

- Finally, it is important to know the tax laws. Realize that for ordinary citizens there is no mandatory requirement to declare cash - this applies only to entrepreneurs or persons engaged in financial activities involving large sums. Tax inspectors are obliged to show their official IDs and act within the framework of official procedures," concludes the lawyer.

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