Police in Kyiv and the Kyiv region regularly warn about fraudsters who phone on behalf of law enforcement or a bank. The schemes differ in details, but the mechanics are almost the same.

What a typical conversation sounds like

The criminal introduces himself as a police officer, an SBU officer or a bank security officer. He says that something has happened to your card, that a case has been opened against you or that someone is trying to withdraw your funds. Then he asks you to act immediately and tell nobody.

What they demand

  • transfer money to a “reserve” or “protected” account;
  • hand over cash to a “courier” for checking;
  • give card details and codes from text messages;
  • install a program for “protection” or remote access.

Most often the targets are older people.

Signs of deception

  1. They scare and rush you: “just a few minutes”.
  2. They ask you not to tell relatives or bank staff about the conversation.
  3. They demand you transfer money in order to “protect” it.
  4. They ask for codes from messages.

What you need to know

The police and the SBU do not call demanding that you hand over money or cash. A real bank never asks you to transfer funds to another account for safety.

How to act

  • Break off the conversation.
  • Call your bank at the number on the back of the card.
  • Talk to relatives.
  • If you have doubts, report to the police at 102.