Deceptive strategies have evolved, targeting the Yakut people with increased complexity.
Hey There! Wanna chat about the sneaky tactics hackers use to trick folks in Yakutia? Here's a lowdown on a couple new scams that are making the rounds. These con artists masquerade as employees of Yakutskenergosbyt, exploiting people through apps and messages on popular platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, VKontakte, Classmates, and Twitter.
Unearthing a new trick
Not too long ago, we stumbled upon a clever scam where these cybercrooks pose as Yakutskenergosbyt employees offering free utility meter installation. Instead of soliciting SMS and data from Gosuslugi, they peddle a mobile app for processing the application or receiving utility payment cashback, along with files containing instructions. However, upon inspection, these files are filled with malicious viruses that grant scammers control over the smartphone. When you install the app, click the link, or download the files, your phone crashes, and your bank account is drained.
Beware of app installs over the phone!
Keep in mind that genuine Yakutskenergosbyt employees never contact consumers through WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other messaging service. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a company employee through a messenger, hang up immediately and block their number. No reputable company sends instructions or links, much less installs third-party apps.
Only one official mobile app of DÉK
The only legitimate mobile app of DÉK is the mobile version of the Personal Client Cabinet "DÉK Yakutskenergosbyt." You can download it from Google Play or App Store, but never from any other sources. The apps are not distributed through WhatsApp!
Another deceitful scheme on the rise
Another popular scheme has scammers pretending to be Yakutskenergosbyt employees, offering to replace electricity meters. The unsuspecting victim is sent an SMS message with an alleged electronic queue number, supposedly for scheduling the replacement. Unknowing of the plot, the person provides this number, which actually serves as a password to log into the Gosuslugi portal.
Following their scheme, scammers change the account's linked phone number and email address to their own. They then apply for credit in banks and take out microloans from microfinance organizations in the victim's name. This all happens in one day, making it impossible for the information to reflect in the credit history before the weekend.
- Tags:Fraud, Energy Supplier, Cyber Fraud, PJSC "Yakutskenergo," Scams
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In-depth Analysis:
Scammers posing as utility company representatives exploit people through apps and SMS messages on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, VKontakte, Classmates, and Twitter. Here's a breakdown of the common methods these scams employ:
- Fake Payment Requests and Urgency Tactics – SMS Phishing (Smishing) and App-based Messaging
- Criminals send urgent payment requests or outstanding debt notifications via SMS, including links to fraudulent payment portals.
- They also use apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to send messages with urgent warnings about account suspension or overdue payments.
- Impersonating Trust on Social Media – VKontakte, Classmates, Twitter
- Scammers create fake profiles to send direct messages or post public notices claiming to be customer service agents, offering assistance with utility payments or refunds.
- Data Harvesting and Payment Redirection – Phishing Links, Payment Redirection
- Scammers use links to fake websites that mimic the official Yakutskenergosbyt site, prompting victims to enter important information.
- They guide victims to transfer money to predetermined accounts, citing overdue bills or security deposits.
Scammers impersonating Yakutskenergosbyt employees – Spoofing, Fake Profiles, and Social Networks
- They mimic official communications using logos, formal language, and employee names obtained from public sources or previous leaks.
- They register phone numbers or create WhatsApp, Telegram accounts resembling the company's official contact info.
- Scammers create profiles or pages on VKontakte, Classmates, or Twitter to spread false news or customer service announcements.
Protect Yourself
- Verify Communication: Check the authenticity of messages by contacting Yakutskenergosbyt through official channels.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages; instead, type the official website address into your browser.
- Check Payment Details: Ensure payment requests come from verified sources and reproduce official company details.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Notify the utility company and local authorities if you suspect fraud.
Summary Table: How Scammers Operate
| Platform | Method Used | Goal ||----------|---------------------|------------------------|| WhatsApp | Fake profiles, urgent messages | Phishing, payment fraud || Telegram | Fake channels, bots | Data harvesting, fraud || VKontakte| Fake profiles, public notices | Impersonation, data theft || Classmates| Direct messages, fake pages | Exploiting trust, fraud || Twitter | Fake accounts, DMs | Spreading scams, data theft || SMS | Smishing, fake links | Redirect payments, phishing |
- The nefarious tactic of cybercriminals, posing as Yakutskenergosbyt employees, has extended to the realm of cybersecurity and general news, with scammers using technology like mobile apps to infiltrate devices.
- In the realm of crime and justice, these scammers feed off the vulnerability of their victims by targeting popular platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, VKontakte, Classmates, and Twitter, exploiting the trust people have in electronic communication channels.
