Combating cyber fraud: what has changed since September 1

      On September 1, new measures to protect citizens from telephone and internet fraud came into effect in Russia. Subscribers can now set a self-ban on registering SIM cards in their name through the Gosuslugi portal or at certain multifunctional centers (MFCs), and only the owners or their close relatives will be able to use the number.

      The Ministry of Digital Development’s press service listed the new rules:

      Self-ban on SIM cards

      Citizens can now independently impose a ban on registering SIM cards in their name. This can be done through the Gosuslugi portal or at some MFCs. This measure will protect against fraudsters who register numbers using other people’s data. The self-ban can only be removed in person at an MFC, which makes the procedure more secure.

      Code to recover access to Gosuslugi

      From September 1, the code to change the password on Gosuslugi is sent with a delay and only after the phone call has ended. This is intended to prevent fraudsters from intercepting the message while keeping the user on the line.

      SIM card use restricted to the owner

      A SIM card may now be used only by its owner. Transfer of the number to close relatives is permitted — spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. This does not require re-registering the contract, which simplifies the procedure while limiting access to the number by outsiders.

      Transfer of a SIM card to organization representatives

      In addition to relatives, a SIM card may be transferred to representatives of state and local government bodies when performing official duties, as well as to emergency service personnel.

      Trusted persons for banking operations

      Citizens can now designate a trusted person to confirm financial transactions. In the case of a suspicious transfer, the bank will be able to contact this person to verify the legality of the action.

      Call labeling

      When a call comes in, the organization’s name — for example, a bank or a delivery service — will now appear on the phone screen. This will allow users to more quickly distinguish an official call from a fraudulent one.

      Restricting spam calls

      Starting this month, mass calling will be allowed only with the subscriber’s consent. If a person does not want to receive promotional or informational calls, they can opt out by submitting a request to their carrier. Calls from government bodies and their subordinate organizations are exempt.