The Ministry of Internal Affairs explained how fraudsters convince Russians to install malware

Fraudsters are persistently trying to obtain personal data of Russians. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported on the most common schemes involving the installation of malware.

Thus, under the guise of a telecom operator, fraudsters can contact a citizen allegedly to extend a contract, switch to a new 5G tariff, or improve the quality of communication.

Under the guise of a bank employee, scammers call with an offer to update the banking application, check accrued bonuses or protect the account from suspicious transactions. Fraudsters can also introduce themselves as friends or colleagues and offer to download media materials or read an order or contract.

Under the guise of law enforcement agencies, criminals call Russians, allegedly trying to protect their accounts from fraudsters. They may also offer to "check" a bank account.

— Malicious software does not appear on your device out of nowhere. The goal of the attackers is to bypass your caution and force you to voluntarily install a malicious APK file on your Android phone, — reports the Telegram channel “Vestnik Cyberpolice of Russia”.

In addition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that at the moment, in most cases, attackers no longer call first, but force the victim to initiate the call. Such a move significantly reduces a person's vigilance, since he becomes confident that he himself has made contact and everything that is happening is safe.