FSB warned of scammers calling on behalf of special services

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has reported about the increasing number of cases of embezzlement of personal or credit funds of citizens by fraudsters who use substitute phone numbers identical to those of special services. The warning was posted on December 9 on the agency's website.

"Representing themselves as employees of security agencies (other law enforcement agencies), fraudsters persuade the potential victim to transfer personal or credit funds to a "safe account" or urgently cash them out with the subsequent transfer to a courier allegedly to ensure their safety, as well as to assist operative officers in the prevention and detection of crimes of economic nature," - said the FSB.

The agency specified that the criminals often extort money in exchange for closing "criminal cases" against citizens or members of their families initiated by them. For convincing the fraudsters show photos of allegedly "official IDs" of employees, copies of "orders" and other documents obliging to provide assistance. They also ask the victim to keep confidentiality, threatening otherwise with criminal proceedings for disclosure of state secrets or even refusal to cooperate.

The FSB noted that notification of a citizen on involvement as a suspect (accused) in a criminal case is in writing and delivered personally. Also, the Russian Federal Security Service employees never use messengers to communicate with citizens, do not send copies or photos of service certificates, departmental orders and other legal acts.

The Russian security services urged to pay special attention to calls and messages from relatives, friends, acquaintances and colleagues claiming that they are in trouble and urgently need a large sum of money. This is due to the use of fraudsters substitute numbers, programs imitating any voice and video image. Specialists recommend calling loved ones and ask questions that only they can answer.

"We separately draw your attention to the ever-increasing activity of special services of unfriendly states, including Ukraine, to involve Russian citizens in illegal activities through blackmail, deception, attempts to bribe," - said in the agency.

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Earlier, on December 7, fraudsters under the guise of FSB officers stole 4 million rubles from People's Artist of the Russian Federation and USSR State Prize winner Raisa Ryazanova. The fact of the incident is being investigated.