A new wave of crypto fraud in Russia: fake access to exchange trading
A new fraudulent scheme has been detected in the Russian crypto market. Scammers are offering citizens to purchase digital assets for rubles at a fixed Central Bank exchange rate, using the legend of a non-existent "closed gateway" of the Moscow Exchange. This is a classic example of social engineering, adapted to the realities of the current regulatory environment.
The deception mechanism works as follows. Potential victims receive targeted advertisements and personal messages. The scammers pose as accredited brokers or technical partners of the Moscow Exchange. They promise a unique opportunity to buy top coins at a fixed Bank of Russia rate through special test platforms. However, as soon as the user shows interest, they are redirected via a link to a phishing website. As a result of entering personal data and, presumably, payment details, the investor completely loses their funds.
Official Position and Countermeasures
Specialists from the Moscow Exchange, together with other market participants, are actively combating this threat. They regularly identify and block malicious websites and phone numbers. It is important to emphasize: no closed platforms with ultra-favorable conditions for individuals exist. Official testing is conducted exclusively through licensed Russian brokers, the full register of which is publicly available on the Bank of Russia website.
Expert comment: This scheme is not just another phishing attempt, but a carefully crafted attack on trust in institutional infrastructure. The use of references to the Central Bank and the Moscow Exchange is a powerful psychological trigger. Investors should remember: any offer of "closed access" or a "test platform" from unknown individuals is a one hundred percent sign of fraud. Exchange instruments can only be used through official market participants, and no other way.