On March 13, an incident occurred in Pervouralsk, as a result of which the Sberbank office on Vayner Street was filled with smoke. The culprit turned out to be local resident Elena (name changed), who threw a firecracker between the seats for clients and then ran away. However, five minutes later she returned and threw a second firecracker near the entrance.

 

Later, during interrogation, Elena said that she was carrying out an assignment from an “FSB officer” with whom she spoke on the phone. The scammer convinced the girl that employees of this Sber branch allegedly leaked client data to scammers. Elena was convinced to take out a loan, sell the car and transfer the entire amount to “safe accounts.” According to the plan, it was necessary to slam the Sberbank office so that the “special forces” could begin an operation to identify fraudsters.

A case of hooliganism was opened against the woman deceived by fraudsters. The victim has two minor children and was given a written undertaking not to leave the place.

This is not the first time that scammers have impersonated law enforcement officers in order to mislead people into committing illegal acts. Russian authorities have repeatedly warned citizens about such fraudulent schemes and call for vigilance.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds that law enforcement officers never demand the transfer of money to any accounts, do not propose to commit illegal actions and do not give instructions that are contrary to the law. In case of such calls, citizens should report it to the police.