VTB told about fraud schemes with debt cancellation

VTB experts have recorded an increase in fraud related to promises of full debt cancellation in banks. The most common schemes were non-existent loan cancellation programs, fake accelerated bankruptcy services, and offers from anti-collectors. This was announced on Friday, July 18, by the bank's press service.

One of the most common tricks was to offer to participate in non-existent debt relief programs. Fraudsters can call people on behalf of government agencies or banks and convince them that there are special programs that allow them to completely write off debts. To participate in such "programs," victims need to pay a commission, which can sometimes reach a third of the loan itself, and provide personal information. As a result, the scammers not only receive customers' money, but also issue new loans in the name of the victims.

Another popular scheme is the operation of so—called anti-collectors. Unscrupulous firms call debtors and promise them to "legally write off all debts" or invalidate loan agreements. As an argument, they use non-existent loopholes and sub-clauses in legislation that an untrained person does not know. Such companies ask for a large prepayment for their work, and as a result, the victim receives fictitious documents or simply cuts off communication with clients after receiving the money.

Fraud using fake accelerated bankruptcy services is also gaining popularity. On fake websites that mimic official services, victims are promised quick debt relief for an additional fee. As a result, victims transfer their personal information through the website, and fraudsters use it to obtain new loans.

"Scammers actively exploit people's financial vulnerability by offering non-existent ways to write off debts. At the same time, neither banks nor government agencies require payment for debt cancellation. Before transferring money or personal data to third parties, always check the information through official sources. The only safe way to solve problems with loans is to contact the bank directly, where experts will offer legitimate ways out of a difficult financial situation," said Dmitry Revyakin, VTB Vice President and Head of the Corporate Interests Protection Department of the Security Department.

Debt from Wall Street: how pseudo-brokers deceive Russians

Scammers forced citizens to take out loans for the sake of "employment in the financial sector"

On the same day, it was reported that in Moscow, fraudsters began to deceive pensioners by posing as employees of the consumer protection service. It was noted that the "leading employee" of such a service called a 78-year-old resident of the capital and reported the theft of the pensioner's funds. At the same time, the fraudster stressed that the money can allegedly be returned under certain conditions — you need to come up with a code word for further communication.