Exchange, Commission and Disappearance: A New Scheme of Deception

Attackers offer sellers payment through cryptocurrency exchanges, send fake confirmations and lure money. This was warned in the press service of the Office for Combating the Illegal Use of Information and Communication Technologies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region.

Fraudsters are continually coming up with new ways to cheat, and one of the latest schemes is targeting sellers on online marketplaces. The attacker writes to the seller under the guise of a buyer and offers to transfer money for the goods through a third-party exchange service. For persuasiveness, he can drop screenshots of the translation, checks or even documents.

Then the seller is informed that the money was allegedly sent, but to receive it you need to make an additional payment or pay a commission. As a result, a person transfers his funds, and the promised payment for the goods does not come.

Why does it work? Fraudsters put pressure on the desire to sell faster and get money. They may rush, say "offer is limited" or that "transfer is on the way." It is important to remember: if the buyer offers a non-standard method of payment - this is already a reason to be wary.

To avoid becoming a victim, follow simple rules. Do not accept payment through questionable exchange services. Do not follow the links that the buyer sends. Do not transfer money to “confirm” or “unblock” payment. Don’t believe the screenshots – they don’t prove the money has arrived. Check the enrollment only in the application of your bank.

Remember, a real buyer will never ask you to pay extra to get paid for the product. If you are offered such a scheme, it is fraud.