Another scam scheme has been devised in Russia. Not exactly created from scratch, but rather repurposing an old mechanism used by mobile operators. Call me back, please – such messages are received by users via SMS, social networks, and website administrators.
Call me back, please: the essence of the scam
Users receive a similar request via email or SMS message. And in 99% of cases, people call back. Because the trouble could have happened to a friend or relative. In the context of an online store, the customer simply provided a contact number.
After making the call, the interlocutor speaks unclearly and does not provide specific information. They do this intentionally – to prolong the conversation. The benefit is that the call to the specified number is paid. That is, the operator deducts money from the caller’s account and transfers it to the account of the number owner. Not forgetting to take their commission.
Identifying such numbers is problematic. Given that these calls are profitable for mobile operators, obtaining a complete list is impossible. The only option is to ignore such messages.
On the other hand, owners of online stores suffer, where buyers provide contact numbers. Checking the liquidity of a number is difficult. If the user is registered on social networks, it’s easier to match the owner with the number. But the chances of finding them are low. Fighting this type of scam is pointless. The issue should be addressed at the operator level, which would notify callers about paid incoming calls.
Current scams for buyers
Scammers are quite active in the used goods market. Websites like Avito offer to buy the desired product at a great price. However, for shipping, the seller asks to transfer a small amount to a card as a safeguard. Why not, since there is an ad with registration, a phone number, and a card. Everything seems legitimate.
This is not the scam “Call me back, please,” where the owner does not violate the law by exposing their own number. Transferring money irrevocably without sending the goods is theft. And it’s easy to hide. In Russia, there are dozens of services offering virtual mobile numbers for a fee. And dozens of foreign banks issuing cards to anyone, even with fake passports.
As a result, the consumer suffers — those who wanted to earn or buy used goods at a good price. The only remedy against fraud is to verify the partner. Any ad or message containing a card number or mobile phone should be searched online. Search, read, and think. If you fall for a scammer, you must report the scam on social media. Fully copy the ad, message, all numbers, and post it. Only by doing so can we fight fraud if the government is unable.
