Scammers Target Russians with Fake Inheritance Crypto Scam

Scammers in Russia are using a new tactic to trick victims into sending them money: fake inheritance claims involving cryptocurrency. Cybersecurity expert Semyon Tyutyuev discussed this scheme with Gazeta.Ru, highlighting how criminals exploit the sanctions environment to make their stories seem credible. Victims are told that a relative abroad has left them a large inheritance, but due to sanctions, the funds cannot be transferred through traditional banking channels. Instead, they are pressured to pay various fees and procedures in cryptocurrency.

The scam unfolds in stages, with each new payment presented as a necessary step before receiving the inheritance. In one case, a woman transferred approximately $35,000 to the scammers before realizing she had been deceived. At the final stage, she was shown a fake transfer for over $600,000, but the token sent to her wallet was worthless.

Tyutyuev also described another incident where scammers posed as bank employees and lawyers during a conference call. They sent fake documents with stamps and bank details to make the scheme appear legitimate. When the victim began to doubt the story, the scammers increased the pressure, threatening her with international search and claiming that refusing further payments would violate currency regulations.

To avoid falling victim to such schemes, experts advise against sending cryptocurrency to unknown wallets, installing programs at the request of strangers, and paying advance fees for inheritance. Checking documents only through official channels is also crucial. This inheritance scam is one of several cryptocurrency-related frauds targeting Russians, with other schemes involving fake investment platforms and turnkey license promises for crypto market legalization.