The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation named the main types of fraudulent schemes on behalf of social workers

The provision of social benefits, compensations, or benefits is the main scheme used by fraudsters disguised as social workers. This was announced on February 8 by the press service of the Russian Interior Ministry.

"The main scheme used by the attackers is to appeal to citizens under the pretext of providing social benefits, compensations or benefits. Most often, scammers are represented by employees of social protection agencies, the Pension Fund of Russia, social insurance funds or housing and communal services," the Interior Ministry reports TASS.

The Interior Ministry added that the actions of fraudsters in these schemes are aimed at obtaining funds under the guise of necessary contributions, commissions or fines, as well as collecting personal and payment data for further theft.

The ministry explained that scenarios are common with a message about the "recalculation" of pensions or benefits, which allegedly requires "payment of state duty", or about the "urgent need for a subsidy" through a fake website or courier.

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Such scam schemes are gaining relevance in late winter and early spring.

Dmitry Moryakov, head of the Mail spam analysis group, reported on February 6 that fraudsters are increasingly using multi-stage schemes through letters from government services. In 2025, the service blocked almost 30 billion unsolicited emails, while in the fourth quarter the number of thwarted attacks increased by 35% compared to last year. Experts recommend checking the sender's address with official contacts and immediately blocking accounts, changing passwords and reporting the incident if personal data leaks.

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