"Beijans transferred approximately 58 million rubles to fraudsters over a period of nearly six months"
Fraudsters Continue to Threaten Biysk, as Reported Cases Decrease Slightly
In 2025, the number of cyber fraud cases in Biysk witnessed a minor decline, with 253 cases registered as compared to 305 in 2024. However, the total sum transferred to fraudsters by local residents increased to approximately 58 million rubles in just the first five months of the year.
Recently, a significant regional press conference was held to address the growing issue of cyber fraud. During the conference, Artem Markov, the acting head of the MIA of Russia "Biysk," provided insights into the tactics employed by fraudsters in the city.
Markov emphasized that most fraudsters primarily target their victims through messaging apps, as this is the medium where they feel most secure and have the most opportunities to operate undetected. It is worth noting that law enforcement agencies and their employees refrain from using messaging apps for official communication, regardless of whether it includes video calls or screen sharing.
One of the newer tactics employed by fraudsters, according to Markov, is infecting phones with malicious software or seizing control of them. Victims often become infected by following links sent through messages out of curiosity, which grants scammers access to their personal information.
To exemplify the potential danger, Markov shared a case from the previous year involving a Biysk woman who lost control of her phone after being tricked by a similar scheme. Despite her efforts to seek help from experienced specialists, she nearly lost her savings before regaining control.
Anyone residing in Biysk, regardless of age, remains at risk of falling victim to fraudsters. Children may unknowingly share their parents' bank card information to receive online game prizes, while students and teenagers may be lured into providing personal details to access educational platforms. Adults and the elderly are vulnerable to offers promising clinic visits, utility meter replacements, door access key updates, or mobile service extensions or SIM card replacements.
Interestingly, some individuals have become victims of the same scam twice, as outlined by Markov. A man from Biysk lost around 1 million rubles in 2024, only to be scammed again in 2025 using a similar approach, despite questioning the scammers about their identities.
Importantly, fraudsters take advantage of the time it takes to build trust with their victims, often manipulating them psychologically before executing their scams. A police officer emphasized that scammers are well-prepared and skilled at manipulating people's emotions.
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, it's crucial to minimize interactions with scammers and be wary of requests for SMS verification codes, as these should serve as red flags. Whenever in doubt, individuals may choose to hang up and call back the alleged number to verify the information. By adhering to these precautions, residents of Biysk can reduce their risk of falling victim to fraud.
In the context of the rising concern over cyber fraud in Biysk, it's pertinent to acknowledge the significant role technology plays in these crimes. Fraudsters often exploit messaging apps, malicious software, and phishing tactics to seize control of phones and steal personal information.
In light of these concerns, the importance of general-news and crime-and-justice reports cannot be overstated, as they help raise awareness about the tactics employed by cybercriminals and the measures citizens can take to protect themselves from such threats.
