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- Digital shield: almost 3 million Russians have connected the "second hand" service since September
Digital shield: almost 3 million Russians have connected the "second hand" service since September
Since the fall of 2025, almost 3 million users have started using the additional transaction confirmation mechanism, known as the "second-hand" service, which is designed to counter financial fraud. This was announced by Mikhail Mamuta, Head of the Consumer Protection and Financial Services Accessibility Service of the Bank of Russia. Izvestia investigated what other initiatives could help protect socially vulnerable groups of citizens from fraudsters and what rules should be followed to avoid becoming a victim of criminals.
Setting up the system
In 2025, legislative measures were taken to reduce crime in the financial sector and strengthen customer protection, the press service of the Ministry of Finance told Izvestia.
A "cooling-off period" has been introduced, which should prevent fraudsters using psychological pressure methods. When applying for consumer loans, the disbursement of money can be postponed for a period of several hours to two days, so that a person has time to make an informed decision.
A "second hand" mechanism has also appeared. It allows the client to appoint a trusted person in advance who will additionally confirm the transfer or withdrawal operations.
In addition, citizens were given the opportunity to establish a self-lock on consumer loans. To do this, it is enough to submit an application for free through the MFC or the portal of public services to the bureau of credit histories, after which it will become impossible to apply for loans in the name of a person.
"Work continues in terms of countering offenses committed using information and communication technologies (aktifrod 2.0). Thus, within the framework of this direction, the issue of limiting the number of bank cards and reimbursing citizens for funds stolen from their accounts as a result of fraudulent actions is being worked out," the ministry said.
Attracting loved ones to protect against fraudsters is a reliable way to increase security, the press service of the Ministry of Finance noted. This approach is used not only in banks, but also on the portal of public services. The user can assign a trusted contact — a relative or other close person. This person does not get access to the account, but when they try to change the password, they receive an additional code, which helps them notice suspicious actions in time.
Gosuslugi also operates a system for temporarily blocking accounts in case of signs of suspicious activity, the ministry recalled. Access to financial sections and access to sensitive services through Government Services is limited for 72 hours. During this period, you cannot, for example, log in to the websites of microfinance organizations or use the Gosklyuch application. This time is given to the user to regain control of the account.
In addition, verification of SIM cards issued in the user's name is available through Gosuslugi. If an unnecessary or suspicious SIM card is detected, it can be blocked. To avoid similar situations in the future, it is possible to prohibit the registration of new SIM cards.
Online fraud protection mechanisms continue to evolve. In April 2025, the law on countering cyberbullying was adopted, which became the first package of such measures.
"A second package of anti-fraud measures is currently being developed. It will include about 20 more initiatives. The Ministry of Finance expects that subsequent initiatives will have no less significant effect," the ministry stressed.
Fraudsters are constantly changing the ways of deception, adapting to current events, the press service of the Central Bank reminded Izvestia. In order not to lose money, the regulator advises not to download applications at the request of strangers, not to follow suspicious links and use an updated antivirus. In case of questionable calls, especially in messengers, it is better to immediately hang up the phone and, if necessary, call the bank back using the official number.
Continuation of work
In 2026, the government plans to introduce new measures to protect citizens from fraudsters, Sergei Golovanov, chief expert at Kaspersky Lab, told Izvestia. Among the most effective initiatives are restrictions on the number of bank cards and mandatory labeling of phone calls.
"To reduce risks, it is important to monitor on government portals how many cards are issued to loved ones, as well as to pay attention to incoming calls — pay attention to the number and time of the call in order to recognize a possible attempt at deception in time," he stressed.
The government faces a difficult task — to increase the level of security of citizens without limiting access to financial services, Evgenia Lazareva, project manager of the Popular Front for Borrowers' Rights, coordinator of the Moshelovka platform, told Izvestia. A whole range of measures has already been implemented at the legislative level. Banks are also strengthening transaction control, communicating with customers, expanding the list of suspicious signs, and opening accounts for minors only with the consent of legal representatives.
The market is also developing at the same time: call blockers, antiviruses, virtual assistants and training services are appearing, and the number of financial literacy programs and security volunteers is growing.
However, in her opinion, it is necessary to tighten responsibility for data leaks — not only personal, but also billing. Liability, including criminal liability, should extend not only to the management of telecom operators, but also to employees involved in leaks, with a ban on further work with customer data.
At the same time, no measure will be effective without the participation of the citizens themselves. It is important to remain vigilant, take care of loved ones, tell them about the available protection tools and help them connect.
"Compliance with the basic rules of digital hygiene — avoiding clicking on suspicious links, checking information in official sources, updating security programs and paying attention to relatives — remains a key factor in the fight against fraud," Evgenia Lazareva confirmed.
To protect socially vulnerable groups, it is important to develop financial and digital literacy, Peter Shcherbachenko, associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, told Izvestia. These include the creation of adapted materials for the older generation and their dissemination through social institutions and the Internet, the development of volunteer programs and a unified volunteer training system, and the release of social advertising about new fraud schemes.
In his opinion, simplified security settings in banking applications, training of pensioners based on specialized organizations and the development of methods to counteract social engineering are also needed.
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