The Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned about a new method of fraud disguised as a bot from the Russian Post

The scammers began using a bot in the Telegram messenger, allegedly on behalf of the Russian Post, which promises users to find the parcel, but in fact steals their money. This was announced on March 5 by the Department for the organization of the fight against the illegal use of information and communication technologies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Russia.

Law enforcement officers warned that the person first receives a call allegedly on behalf of the Russian Post stating that he received a registered letter or parcel. Then, to clarify the address, he is offered to log into a chatbot in Telegram.

"The bot simulates active activity, but its goal is to automatically gain access to the account," the department noted.

The Interior Ministry added that the data that a person enters for authorization in the chatbot will give attackers the opportunity to further develop the criminal scheme. In order not to become a victim of deception, it is necessary to double-check all incoming messages through official channels, law enforcement officers advised.

Earlier, on March 4, Ekaterina Zabolotskaya, lawyer and managing partner of ROCK Counselor, told Izvestia that the main document of interest to fraudsters is the passport of a Russian citizen. In addition, the attackers are trying to find out the details of bank cards, the INN number and documents confirming ownership of the property. By owning this data, attackers can make fraudulent transactions or use the property in criminal schemes.