About 800,000 residents of Tatarstan have set self-lock from loans
Deputy Minister of Digitalization of Tatarstan Albert Yakovlev spoke at a press conference how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister — Chief of Staff of the Russian Government Dmitry Grigorenko announced that in the first four months of 2026, the number of crimes involving information technology in Russia decreased by 30%.
However, scammers continue to develop new schemes. According to Yakovlev, there has been an increase in the creation of fake websites pretending to be federal agencies. To avoid being deceived, users are advised to verify official websites through the State Services Portal, which contains verified links.
Here are additional tools to help protect against malicious actors:
Credit lock from loans: This measure safeguards individuals from situations where they are coerced into taking out a loan through deception. Already, 733,000 residents of Tatarstan have registered for credit lock via the State Services Portal and another 66,000 have done it through Multifunctional Centre offices.
Self-restraint from SIM card registration: Residents can prevent operators from issuing new SIM cards without their personal presence. This self-exclusion has been set up by 13,000 Tatarstan residents through State Portal and 24,000 via Multifunctional Centres.
Call Labeling: Typically, during a phone call, the caller’s organization and service type appear next to the number on the screen. If a call is not labeled, it is recommended not to answer unfamiliar numbers.
Authorization via "Max" Messenger on State Services Portal (Gosuslugi): Before granting access, the messenger asks clarifying questions and warns of potential fraud risks. This prompts users to consider whether they are acting under pressure or deception.
The "Max" messenger also offers other security features, such as two-factor authentication and "Safe Mode." In the "Security" section, users can activate mandatory password input upon each login. "Safe Mode" blocks calls and chat invitations from contacts not in your list. If setting up these functions independently is challenging, seek assistance from family or close friends.
Tools for self-exclusion from loans and SIM cards are now part of a large cybersecurity infrastructure developed by the government within the framework of the new national project "Data Economy."