Sberbank reveals new "coronavirus" fraud schemes

- We recorded already several such schemes. For example, “compensation for damage from the virus” - attackers offer to receive social benefits and material assistance and in such a way collecting information about cards and personal data, Kuznetsov told RIA Novosti.

Fraudsters have also begun to register domains that contain the name of the Zoom video service, which has become popular amid the coronavirus pandemic. To date, 1.7 thousand such domains have been recorded since the outbreak. 25% are registered only in the last week.

In addition, the attackers began to call their victims and report that they allegedly were in contact with the infected coroanavirus. They warned that a specialist would come to them now, who would have to conduct an analysis. The test, of course, is paid, and its implementation together with the doctor’s departure costs five thousand rubles.

“Naturally, after receiving the money, the scammers disappear,” said Kuznetsov.

Attackers also call on behalf of polyclinic workers to report “serious problems” based on the analysis results. Citizens, fearing for their health, agree to buy expensive drugs from criminals, which in fact turn out to be ordinary food additives.

On April 2, law enforcers detained seven members of a cyber fraud criminal group operating in the territory of Mari El, Chuvashia, the Moscow Region and the Ryazan Region. In their scheme, they applied “any relevant topics”, taking into account also “the theme of the spread of coronavirus”.

Many unscrupulous citizens tried to cash in on the coronavirus, or rather, on the panic associated with its spread. Starting from hundreds of times overpriced personal protective equipment and ending with advertising drugs that supposedly cure the new COVID-19. Various drugs from the coronavirus were actively sold in social networks, until Roszdravnadzor became interested in the authors of the publications.

Against the background of the introduction of the self-isolation regime and the Muscovites' resolute unwillingness to adhere to it, scammers appeared offering drivers to purchase passes for trips around the city and the region for 5-7 thousand rubles. Taxi drivers were offered "special passes" much cheaper - at 400 rubles apiece. Ads were placed on open internet sites such as Avito.