"Funding of Extremist Actions" - Belarusians Encouraged to Retain Funds from Unknown Individuals
In a recent alert, Belarusians have been warned about a new cybercrime scheme that involves receiving a money transfer to a bank card, followed by a request to return the money to a provided number.
The scheme begins with a real money transfer to a card, and individuals are then pressured to return the funds. Failure to comply could lead to serious problems, not just financial losses. To avoid becoming unwitting participants in this scheme, Belarusians are advised to refrain from rushing to return money to strangers.
If an unknown person sends money to your bank account, the appropriate steps are as follows:
1. **Contact your bank immediately** to report the unexpected credit. Do not spend or use the money, as knowingly retaining funds sent in error can be considered a criminal offense.
2. **Verify the transaction** by checking your bank account balance and transaction details to confirm the unexpected deposit.
3. **Provide full cooperation with your bank** and follow their instructions. The bank may initiate steps to trace and recover the funds or liaise with the sender’s bank to reverse the transaction if it was made in error or fraudulently.
4. **Avoid sharing sensitive data** like PINs, SMS codes, or personal identification details with anyone claiming to be a bank representative without independent verification. This is crucial to protect yourself from fraud attempts.
5. **If you suspect the transaction is linked to cybercrime or fraud,** consider filing a report with local law enforcement or the cybercrime authorities to document the incident and seek further specialist assistance.
6. Keep records of all communications with your bank and any other parties involved.
These steps help protect you from inadvertently facilitating fraud or becoming implicated in illegal money transfers, which are aspects known to occur in cybercrime schemes linked to Belarus and elsewhere. The key is prompt reporting and cooperation with financial and legal authorities to handle the situation appropriately.
Previously, specialists from the cybercrime prevention department of the Brest Regional Executive Committee's Main Department of Internal Affairs gave similar advice. Scammers may blackmail individuals they have made an accomplice to their schemes, and it is advised not to give in to pressure or blackmail in such situations.
The request is often made via a messaging app, and the authors of "InfoInspection," a thematic Telegram channel referenced by the Belarusian Ministry of Health, advise against giving in to pressure or blackmail, and not to spend the money transferred by a stranger until all circumstances have been clarified, to avoid it being considered illegal enrichment.
If an unknown person sends you money, Belarusians are advised to stop communication with the potential scammer and make no transfers. If you suspect the transaction is suspicious, file a report with the police regarding the transfer. Scammers may involve Belarusians in funding terrorist or extremist activities, or money laundering schemes.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime. If in doubt, always consult with your bank and local authorities.
- In the case of receiving an unexpected money transfer to your bank card, it is crucial to report the situation to your bank immediately, as knowingly retaining funds sent in error can be considered a criminal offense.
- When it comes to general-news, especially those related to crime-and-justice, it is advisable to be cautious, and if a cybersecurity scheme involves financing, it's best to avoid rushing to return money to strangers, as it could lead to serious problems, including cybercrime.
- Technology has made it easier for scammers to engage in fraudulent activities, and one such method is the cybercrime scheme that involves individuals being pressured to return money. To protect yourself from this, keep in mind that if an unknown person sends you money, you should not spend it until all circumstances have been clarified to avoid potential legal issues or involvement in illegal activities.
