8 types of crisis and pandemic helpers who will rob you of money

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Fraudsters have intensified. Don't fall for their bait.

1. Intermediaries in obtaining compensation

The internet is flooded with fake coronavirus compensation announcements. Payments are offered to those who are tired of self-isolation, have lost their jobs or are sick. At the same time, criminals call potential victims and try to deceive them. Here are the common patterns:

• The fraudster introduces himself as an employee of the social service and talks about the suddenly opened prospects. To receive money, you need to provide the card details, including the code on the back of the card. This is enough to withdraw funds wherever you go.
• The attacker reports that social services are silent about compensation. But he decided to fight this injustice for a symbolic amount compared to payments. If the victim buys, then at best he will only lose that money. In the worst case, the fraudster will be able to entice the card details and the victim will lose everything at all.

How not to get caught

There are three main rules:

• Never tell anyone the card details, except for its number.
• Remember: if you are entitled to some kind of compensation, this is specified in the laws. Use regulations as a source of information, and not the words of an unknown interlocutor. If you can still count on payments, then you will have to register them through the service of municipal, regional or state authorities. Now a lot can be done via the Internet, but still we are talking about the official websites of departments.
• Let's face it, even if you are entitled to payments, you are unlikely to be wanted to foist money. The very fact of such an appeal should be alarming.

2. Intermediaries when refunding money for non-rendered services

The pandemic has disrupted the plans of many people. Travel, trips to the theater, flights for work were canceled. It turns out to return money with varying degrees of success. Some companies quickly transferred funds, others deposited them in their accounts. And some were on a paid weekend announced by the president and did not get in touch. It makes sense that people are worried.

This is where scammers appear who promise to return what they spent with a 100% guarantee. The result will be the same as in the previous paragraph. In the best case - the loss of money, which paid for the services of the intermediary; at worst - all funds from the card.

How not to get caught

Just use common sense. What leverage can the mediator have on the situation? Will he sue? There is no reason, because the relationship has arisen between you and the firm. Send a team of smart boys to get the money? It is doubtful, and indeed not worth it, to participate in such schemes. All the middleman can do is disappear with your money.

3. Lawyers guaranteeing the result

You are promised that they will definitely help you return money, obtain compensation and even challenge fines for violating the self-isolation regime. Everything looks very convincing, because the offer comes from a respectable-looking company. It seems that if a lawyer promises a positive outcome of the case, it means that he has already won such hearings more than once and knows what he is talking about. But in reality, no one can guarantee how the proceedings will end. So, such promises speak of the bad faith of lawyers, and not that you have a winning situation.

How not to get caught

A conscientious lawyer will not make unfounded promises without going into the details of the problem. This is a signal that you shouldn't get involved.

Before agreeing to cooperation, at least check a lawyer for the Ministry of Justice. The specialist must have the “active” status. Ask him to introduce you to similar cases that he won. Recheck the veracity of information in or in the state system "" (for courts of general jurisdiction).

4. Suppliers of fake certificates

These can be certificates of loss of income for obtaining a credit vacation, papers of dismissal for registering at the labor exchange, and so on. For a small fee, they will be ready to provide you with them.

But there is no need to take falsified documents - even for free. First, there is a high risk that you will be bitten. Then you will have to return the benefit or compensation in full. Secondly, the use of forged documents is fraudulent, so you can become a defendant in a criminal case.

How not to get caught

There is nothing to think about here, fake documents are a bad idea. Unless you want to provide yourself with shelter and food at the expense of the state for up to four months.

5. "Debtors"

The Central Bank warns about this category of fraudsters. The department said that they predict a surge in offers from companies that will allegedly help deal with debts. In practice, all they can do is get paid for their work and hide with it.

How not to get caught

Take responsibility for your debts and don't wait for a miracle. There is no legal way to get rid of a loan other than to repay it. You don't think they will do it for you, do you?

6. Intermediaries in obtaining credit vacations

Mortgage vacations appeared in Russia back in 2019, and in 2020 credit ones were added to them. Banks can additionally introduce deferrals for their clients. Fraudsters take advantage of people's unwillingness to understand the nuances and take money from them for mediation. Only there is no point in this.

If you are eligible for a loan or mortgage vacation, it is not difficult to arrange them. It is enough to notify the bank of your desire and send supporting documents to the institution. It's easy to deal with this on your own. The only thing that the intermediary can help is fake certificates. But it's not worth contacting them, as has already been written above. If the bank finds out that you lied, the vacation will be canceled and you will be charged a late payment penalty.

How not to get caught

Study the regulations on credit and mortgage vacations and act legally. If the situation is difficult, consult with a bona fide lawyer, not a person of incomprehensible status.

7. Illegal creditors

The number of companies offering loans at low interest rates is increasing. Usually they are not entitled to such activities, they work illegally and are not controlled by the supervisory authorities in any way. Naturally, these firms are not involved in charity work. So the interest will actually be high, or the loan will be secured against your property. In the second situation, the company will be very interested in the fact that you do not return the debt. This will give scammers the right to claim your home.

It is also worth noting that illegal creditors - whether a company or an individual - can use dubious methods to get their money back. For example, bullying or beating.

How not to get caught

The main advice that will save you not only from scammers, but also from worsening financial situation: do not aggravate a bad financial situation with credit. But if necessary, contact a legal organization. You can check if it works legally at the Central Bank.

8. Doubtful brokers, forex dealers and similar figures

During the crisis, the activity of people who promise quick and easy earnings increases. You are offered to invest in something or transfer your money to management, so that later you can simply make a profit. But you will not earn money, but on you. There is a risk of falling into a financial pyramid or scheme, the main purpose of which is to extort money from you.

How not to get caught

Do your research before investing. You must understand well how you can earn money, even if you delegate active actions to someone.

Remember that investment advice can only be provided by investment advisors licensed by the Central Bank. The register of investment advisors can be found on the Central Bank.

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