The key facts

  • Scammers promise help obtaining a loan even with a bad credit history
  • The link installs a banking application that requires card details and a questionnaire
  • Through the application, the perpetrators gain access to the victim's device

The 'loan approval' scheme

Scammers have launched a new fraud scheme related to loan approval even with a bad credit history. This was reported by Gazeta.Ru citing materials from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The perpetrators post links online offering help in selecting and obtaining a loan, promising support even to clients with a damaged credit history — a promise aimed precisely at those whom banks usually reject.

How the scam works

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, when the victim follows such a link, a banking application with instructions begins installing on their device. The instructions require entering bank card details and filling out a questionnaire. Through this application, the scammers gain access to the victim's device, according to the ministry's materials.

Context: other current schemes

This is not the only recent fraud warning. The day before, the press service of the Moshelovka platform of the Popular Front reported that scammers are calling private homeowners, offering to inspect roofs, gutters, and the surrounding property at a reduced price before snowfalls. Russians are advised to sign roof maintenance contracts only with vetted companies with a proven reputation. Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also reported on a scheme in which criminals pose as recruiters.