Scammers Target Seniors with Fake Grandchild Benefit SMS Messages in Russia

Ahead of Grandparents' Day in Russia, scammers are mass-sending SMS messages to elderly citizens claiming they are entitled to payments for their grandchildren. The fraudulent messages impersonate government service portals and direct victims to phishing links to collect personal and banking information.

How This Scam Works

As Grandparents' Day approaches on October 28 in Russia, fraudsters are targeting elderly pensioners with phishing SMS messages. Scammers claim that payments for grandchildren are being offered by the government and trick victims into visiting malicious websites.

The Scam Method

Scammers employ these tactics:

Impersonation: SMS messages fake official senders including Госуслуги (State Services Portal), Мос.ру (Moscow Government Services), МФЦ (Multi-functional Centers), district administrations, and social security agencies
False Premise: Messages claim the recipient is eligible for government payments related to their grandchildren
Phishing Links: Messages contain links directing victims to fraudulent websites
Data Theft: Once on the fake site, victims are asked to enter personal information and banking details under the guise of completing a "payment application"

What Happens to Victims

Once personal and banking information is entered:

Unauthorized withdrawals occur from victims' bank accounts
Personal data of grandparents and grandchildren is compromised
Victims become vulnerable to identity theft and further fraud

How to Identify and Prevent This Scam

Warning Signs

Legitimate government benefits are rarely announced via SMS
Official agencies never request personal or banking data through text messages
Messages using urgent language ("Act now," "Limited time offer") are typical scam tactics
Real government payments require applicants to initiate the process themselves

Prevention Steps

Don't Click Links in SMS: Never tap links sent through text messages
Verify Through Official Channels: Visit official government websites directly by typing the URL yourself
Call the Official Number: Use contact information from the official website, never numbers in suspicious messages
Never Share Personal Data via SMS: Government agencies will never ask for sensitive information through text
Ask for Second Opinion: Discuss suspicious messages with family members before taking action
Check the Sender: Verify that the sending phone number actually belongs to the claimed government agency

Where to Report

Russian Public Chamber (Общественная палата России): Report scam information
Local Police: File a fraud report or provide information
Your Bank's Customer Service: Report unauthorized transactions
Regional Social Security Office: Verify benefit eligibility

If you've received such an SMS or become a victim, report it to the police immediately.