NFC relay attacks, Telegram account theft and malicious APKs: banker highlights the latest fraud schemes

In recent months, scammers have increasingly been using new technology-driven schemes, including Telegram account theft, fake lenders, fraudulent job offers, banking trojans and NFC relay attacks.

This was reported by Anna Dovhalska, Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of GLOBUS BANK.

According to her, one of the notable schemes involves stealing Telegram accounts through fake polls, offers of “free Telegram Premium” or supposed security checks. Once they gain access to a profile, scammers can use it to target the victim's friends, relatives and colleagues. For example, they may impersonate a manager and send urgent requests for money transfers.

Fake lenders are also becoming more widespread. Posing as providers of “loans in five minutes”, they collect passport details and other personal information. Fraudulent job offers are another growing threat: after an interview, candidates are asked to pay for “corporate software” or access to an internal system.

NFC relay attacks and banking trojans disguised as APK files pose a separate technological threat. Malicious programmes may be disguised as banking or government services, job offers, payment notifications or app updates.

“Fraud schemes are becoming more technologically sophisticated, but they almost always start in the same way: people are pressured into following an external link, installing an unfamiliar app or sharing confidential information. That is why any such request should be treated as a warning sign, and information should only be verified through official channels,” Anna Dovhalska emphasised.