On applications from citizens

The Bank of Russia’s External and Public Relations Department communicates that starting from March 2010, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation has been receiving (including via the Internet) applications from citizens who have suffered from fraudsters introducing themselves as the employees of the Bank of Russia or federal executive authorities, such as the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor).

The victims, mostly elderly people, were telephoned and offered, most notably, monetary compensation for previously purchased medicines or nutritional supplements.

They were assured, the money would be transferred by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to accounts opened with Sberbank of Russia. However, to receive such compensation the fraudsters required a prepayment to cover tax or state duty fees.

The Bank of Russia informed law-enforcement agencies of these complaints.

The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has nothing to do with the above activities. If you receive any offer on behalf of state authorities by telephone or by mail regarding compensation for previously purchased goods, please immediately contact law-enforcement agencies.

The reference to the Press Service is mandatory if you intend to use this material.