Over the summer, Beeline has prevented over 6,000 infected devices from distributed attacks
In recent times, phone scam schemes have been a growing concern, particularly in Russia. One crucial component in these schemes is the use of individuals known as "droppers." Peter Alferev, Director of Anti-Fraud at a leading telecommunications company, has stated that droppers play a significant role in numerous phone scam operations.
Droppers are often lured into these schemes through social engineering tactics, misleading job offers, and exploitation of individuals' financial vulnerabilities. These recruiters, posing as recruiters for work-from-home or parcel delivery jobs, approach potential droppers via social media, online job platforms, or messaging apps.
The roles are framed as low-risk and simple, but in reality, droppers are exploited to launder money or transfer smuggled goods, exposing them to legal and financial risks.
To avoid becoming a dropper, it's essential to be skeptical of unsolicited job offers, especially those promising quick, easy earnings for vague tasks like receiving packages or transferring money. Verifying job offers through official company websites or verified contacts before accepting any role is also advisable.
Avoid sharing personal or financial details with unknown recruiters or through non-secure communication channels. Recognize common signs of scams such as urgency, secrecy, and requests to use your personal address or bank accounts for third-party purposes.
Educate yourself on social engineering tactics such as phishing, fake job ads, and vishing calls. Use strong email and messaging filters to block suspicious messages, and never open attachments or links from unknown sources.
If contacted for an unknown "dropper" role, decline and report the interaction. If funds from unknown sources are received, it's best to notify the bank immediately. Lost bank cards should be promptly blocked, and security codes received via SMS should not be shared.
It's important to note that law enforcement finds, identifies, and punishes droppers, and the Russian Criminal Code now holds them liable for their actions. Operators maintain a database of potential criminal subscribers and block calls from suspicious numbers.
Thousands of Russians unintentionally or intentionally become droppers each month, with teenagers aged 14 and above, students, and the elderly being particularly at risk. Criminals often target vulnerable individuals, such as those in a precarious financial position and those susceptible to psychological manipulation.
Being informed about these broader cybercrime recruitment methods helps build resistance against becoming a dropper in such schemes. Stay vigilant, and remember, your safety is paramount.
- The Russian Criminal Code now holds individuals who act as droppers in phone scam operations liable for their actions, signifying a rising concern for cybersecurity in the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors.
- To protect oneself from becoming a dropper, it's advisable to be cautious of unsolicited job offers, especially those promising quick, easy earnings or vague tasks like receiving packages or transferring money, in the context of cybersecurity and technology.
