Minsk Pensioners Targeted in 25,000 Ruble Phone Scam

Minsk Pensioners Lose 25,000 Rubles in Mobile Phone Scam A recent incident in Minsk, Belarus, highlights a growing trend of phone scams targeting vulnerable populations. Two pensioners fell victim to a sophisticated scheme where fraudsters impersonated mobile phone operators and law enforcement officials. The scam began with messages sent through a popular messaging application. The fraudsters contacted the pensioners, claiming their mobile phone contracts needed renewal. To verify their identities, the pensioners were asked to provide their passport details. This information was then used to access their bank accounts. "They were very convincing," said a source close to the investigation, who requested anonymity. "They used official-sounding language and created a sense of urgency, which pressured the pensioners into cooperating." Once the fraudsters had the necessary information, they quickly transferred approximately 25,000 rubles from each of the pensioners' accounts. A criminal investigation is underway, and authorities are urging citizens to be vigilant against similar scams. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting personal information and exercising caution when dealing with unsolicited contacts, especially those claiming to represent official organizations.