Cryptocurrency Trap for a "Second Passport": A New Scam Scheme Targeting Russians
The market for second citizenship services has become fertile ground for scammers who skillfully exploit clients' desire to simplify and expedite bureaucratic procedures. In 2026, criminals are actively integrating cryptocurrency into their schemes, turning digital assets into a tool for extorting advance payments and completely draining the wallets of Russians.
As I analyze the situation, the key element of the new scam is a phishing attack disguised as a legitimate request. The scammer reaches out to a potential victim, offering services for obtaining citizenship, residency permits, or visas. They find intermediaries willing to accept payment exclusively in cryptocurrency. Under the pretext of making an advance payment, the victim is asked to provide their crypto wallet address, supposedly to verify the balance. In reality, this is a standard reconnaissance method: the criminal assesses the amount that can be stolen. After this, the client is handed over to a more experienced accomplice, who uses dangerous crypto drainers or targeted phishing to withdraw all funds.
From Bitcoins to Criminal Cases
What is particularly alarming is that victims are not only ordinary citizens but also entrepreneurs planning to relocate. The risks here extend far beyond financial losses. After losing money, a person risks becoming the subject of a criminal case for illegal migration, which permanently closes the path to legally obtaining a foreign passport. My recommendation here is unequivocal: never transfer advance payments in cryptocurrency or to individuals' bank cards. All transactions must be conducted under an official agreement through a legal entity's settlement account.
In addition to cryptocurrency traps, other methods are actively used in 2026. For example, calls supposedly from consulates demanding urgent payment of fines for failing to notify about a move. Or offers to obtain a passport remotely, without proof of ancestry. Scammers collect advance payments, copies of documents, and disappear without a trace. Since August 2025, cases of a two-stage scheme have been recorded, where fake lawyers first clarify the details of an application and then vanish with the money.
The main trend of 2026 is the widespread use of social engineering. High-quality clone websites of migration services, targeted advertising, hacked messenger accounts, and dangerous mobile apps for tracking document status—all of this gives criminals full access to victims' banking profiles.
Expert Conclusions
Protecting confidential information in this field comes down to critically evaluating any tempting promises. It is necessary to thoroughly check domain names and the legal status of companies through registries, use two-factor authentication, and avoid sending documents via open channels. The "second passport" market is a high-risk zone where trust in "simplified" solutions can cost not only money but also freedom.