Russian Senator Artem Sheykin has warned the public that calls requesting passwords, security codes or money transfers are attempts at fraud.
Speaking to news network RT, Sheykin said that common warning signs include requests to disclose a password or confirmation code, transfer savings to a supposedly safe account, take out a loan to prevent an unauthorised borrowing attempt, or install an application following the caller's verbal instructions.
He added that callers often rush potential victims and intimidate them with the imminent loss of funds, deliberately depriving them of time to verify the claims.
Sheykin emphasised that a caller knowing a person's name, passport details, or bank account information does not provide any reason to trust them. In such situations, he recommended ending the call immediately and contacting the bank independently through its official mobile application or by dialling the telephone number listed on its verified website.
Tactics of phone scammers
Phone fraud using psychological pressure and deceptive scenarios has grown into a major challenge for retail banking. Scammers frequently exploit stolen databases containing personal records to convince victims that they are speaking with genuine bank security staff or law enforcement officers.
Legitimate financial institutions never ask customers to transfer their balances to reserve or safe accounts to protect their savings. Similarly, commercial banks and official regulators do not require account holders to download remote access applications to prevent unauthorised credit transactions.
Sheykin serves in the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, where lawmakers regularly monitor cybersecurity threats, telecommunications fraud, and digital consumer safety.
Spreading of fake SMS surveys
The warning comes as other Russian officials alert the public to alternative social engineering tactics. State Duma Deputy Sergei Gavrilov recently reported that a scheme involving fraudulent customer service surveys delivered by text message is spreading across Russia.
Gavrilov stated that fraudsters send SMS messages posing as mobile network operators or research centres. The messages ask recipients to rate a company's performance, instructing them to reply with a score such as a number from zero to ten.
The State Duma forms the lower chamber of the Russian Federal Assembly. Digital security analysts warn that responding to unsolicited survey messages allows fraudsters to confirm that a mobile number is active, leaving victims exposed to follow-up scam calls, malware links, or unauthorised charges.
