Surge in Banking Fraud: VTB Warns Russians About New Scams
In a troubling trend for consumers in Russia, banking fraud is on the rise, particularly through deceptive calls aimed at tricking individuals into updating their banking applications. Nikita Chugunov, Senior Vice President of VTB, revealed that complaints regarding such fraudulent calls have skyrocketed sixfold in September alone. This alarming increase has prompted VTB to issue a warning to its customers.
Chugunov explained that fraudsters pose as bank employees and pressure victims to install a so-called 'correct version' of the banking app, threatening account suspension if they refuse. Upon clicking a malicious link sent by the scammers, victims unknowingly grant access to their banking information, leading to unauthorized withdrawals. VTB's press service has also confirmed this surge in fraudulent activity, advising customers to be vigilant and to immediately cease communication with anyone requesting app updates.
Experts recommend that if approached by such callers, individuals should hang up and contact their bank directly to secure their accounts. VTB has previously alerted the public about similar schemes, including fake offers for money in exchange for clicking links or completing surveys, often utilizing the bank's official branding to appear legitimate.
- ## The Rise of Malware Threats: The Octo2 Trojan In addition to the alarming increase in banking fraud calls, a new malware threat known as Octo2 has emerged, posing significant risks to mobile banking security across Europe. Discovered by ThreatFabric researchers, Octo2 can disguise itself within familiar software installations, such as the Chrome browser, allowing hackers to take control of devices and execute fraudulent bank transfers. Originally identified in 2022 and based on older malware designs, Octo2 has resurfaced due to leaked source code that has enabled cybercriminals to develop their own versions. This new iteration employs sophisticated tactics, including the use of the Zombinder service to embed malicious code into legitimate app installations, making it increasingly difficult for users to recognize the threat. To protect against such malware, users are advised to disable the installation of apps from unknown sources and to download applications exclusively from reputable platforms like the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. Staying informed about these evolving threats is crucial for maintaining the security of personal and financial information.
