The expert revealed a way for scammers to ingratiate themselves with the victim

Scammers on social networks and messengers are increasingly trying to establish contact with users through common interests and communities in order to gain their trust. This was announced on July 28 by Evgeniya Lazareva, project manager of the Popular Front for Borrowers' Rights and coordinator of the Moshelovka platform.

"Criminals gain trust by posing as subscribers of the same bloggers, members of thematic communities or like—minded people," she shared in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Lazareva noted that at the beginning of communication, scammers usually do not touch on financial topics. They start a conversation by discussing publications, neutral questions, or compliments, gradually forming a trusting contact and collecting personal information about the other person. After establishing a connection, the attackers try to find out a person's attitude to investments, cryptocurrencies and ways to make quick money.

The expert stressed that the main purpose of such a multi—stage manipulation is to reduce a person's vigilance, determine their financial capabilities and further convince them to invest in projects that are actually controlled by fraudsters.

Phantom accounts: why young Russians succumb to the tricks of scammers

Scammers pose as "financial intelligence" and employees of the Central Bank

Ilya Wolfson, a State Duma deputy and member of the Duma Committee on Construction and Housing and Communal Services, said on July 28 that fraudsters began using house chats to gain access to Russian accounts on the Gosuslugi portal. It was noted that the attackers introduced themselves as employees of management companies and invited residents to join the general chat at home.