The Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned about increased calls from scammers on behalf of the cyber police

Phone scammers are increasingly posing as cyber police officers. This was announced on June 21 by the Department for the Organization of the Fight against the Illegal Use of Information and Communication Technologies (UBK) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

According to the agency, in 50% of cases, attackers pose as representatives of executive authorities and law enforcement agencies — the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB, Roskomnadzor and Rosfinmonitoring. Among the widespread legends are reports of illegal access to accounts, financing of banned organizations, and issuing power of attorney to Ukrainian citizens.

"Employees of the departments for combating the illegal use of information and communication technologies do not check for phone data leaks. Especially with the use of foreign messengers," the department's Telegram channel emphasized.

Also, in 30% of cases, fraudsters present themselves as employees of financial institutions, including the Bank of Russia and commercial banks. They report the blocking of accounts and offer to transfer funds to so-called secure accounts.

Management companies and housing and communal services account for 10% of calls — attackers require SMS codes under the pretext of replacing intercoms or meters. About 7% of the requests allegedly come from the Gosuslugi portal or the MFC, 3% from social services and insurance companies offering to apply for benefits or insurance.

Russians will be protected from cybercriminals. What you need to know

On June 17, the UBK of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia reported that government agencies can only call citizens by phone number a, without using messengers and social networks, and they will not ask them to dictate a code or password. The agency clarified that only fraudsters require to transfer or transfer money.