Fake Deputy head of Abakan Vinitsyn asked the citizens for money

Last week, Deputy head of Abakan for Economics and Finance Veronika Vinicina hacked personal account in Max. The hacker attack was reported in the social networks of the city administration.

“Not only text messages but also short voice messages are sent to all contacts. We ask everyone to be extremely vigilant and not to send any funds anywhere on any accounts and contacts, the statement said.

The account was restored the next day. The administration does not know the method of hacking - this was dealt with by specialists, perhaps something will be traced.

The incident was also reported to the police. Because, as the city hall noted, behind one hack is almost always an attempt to build a chain of deception.

We used to teach each other a simple rule: “If you ask for money in correspondence, call, hear a voice.” That rule is obsolete today. Technology has gone far: a few seconds of recording is enough to synthesize a voice almost indistinguishable from the real one. Fraudsters collect these seconds from everywhere, and for this it is not necessary to be a public person: “voice” is taken from old voices in correspondence, from videos, from stories, and therefore the familiar timbre in dynamics is no longer evidence.

And reminded residents of the capital of Khakassia that it is necessary to observe the rules of digital hygiene. In particular, enable two-factor authentication wherever it is available. Those extra ten seconds at the entrance will then make it difficult for fraudsters to access. Never dictate text codes to anyone, even if the caller has a similar voice. Remember, this support service never asks for personal information, including codes. Don’t follow links that come to private messages, even from friends – they can be hacked too, and you’re not aware.

Passwords should be different on the mail, in social networks, on public services and instant messengers. Check active sessions in your messengers more often. If you see a device you don’t know, close it and change your password.

If you are asked for money through a text message or voice, ask a personal question to which only you two know the answer. Do not hesitate to call back if it is your friends or loved ones. No answer? Write a text or call their relatives, neighbors. Don’t be afraid to seem intrusive, you may be the one who will save someone from losing money.

If a stranger asks for money, text him. Tell him he's sending a mailing list. Do not pass by, do not pretend as if nothing is happening. Maybe next time the same thing happens to you... and someone will just pass.