Before September 1, fraudsters request SMS codes under the pretext of adding users to school chats
September 1 marks the Day of Knowledge in Russia. Fraudsters may use this pre-holiday period as a pretext for new scam schemes.
Criminals send messages to parents or schoolchildren allegedly on behalf of a school representative. Under the pretext of "adding a child to the class," fraudsters ask for an SMS code. In reality, this password belongs to other services: State Services (Gosuslugi), online banking or messengers. If the code is shared, criminals can gain access to personal accounts.
Another scheme targets teenagers. In messengers, they receive messages about supposed contests, flash mobs or holiday photo sessions in honor of the Day of Knowledge. Children are offered to "find themselves in the participant lists," for which they need to click a link or download an attached file. Hidden behind the guise of a document is usually a phishing page or malicious software.
How to protect yourself from fraudsters:
Take a pause. Fraudsters often artificially create panic and rush their targets. If you feel pressured, calmly discuss the situation with your family.
Double-check information. If a "teacher" writes to you from an unknown number or account, call the class teacher directly or message them in the existing class chat.
Enable "Safe Mode." Turn on the mode in the Max messenger to block calls and group invitations from unknown contacts.