The Interior Ministry named the mistakes that lead people to become victims of scammers.

      The UBK of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs listed the most common mistakes citizens make when dealing with scammers. The agency notes that even the most attentive and cautious people can fall into a trap if they do not know basic safety rules.

      The first and most common mistake is disclosing confidential information. Despite regular warnings, many continue to provide fraudsters with card numbers, PINs, SMS codes and passport details, responding to what they believe are requests from "bank employees" or "law enforcement officers." The Interior Ministry emphasizes that official representatives never ask for such information by phone, and if in doubt you should call the organization back using the number on its official website.

      The second risk is installing apps from unverified sources. Clicking links in emails and SMS messages or downloading programs from suspicious sites can lead to data leaks and remote access to the device. Users are advised to download apps only from official stores — RuStore, App Store and Google Play — and to carefully review permissions and reviews.

      The third mistake is making impulsive financial transactions. Scammers deliberately create a sense of urgency — claiming a "blocked card" or a "promotion that will end in a few minutes." The Interior Ministry reminds that legitimate organizations do not demand immediate action under pressure, so before any transactions you should pause and double-check the information.

      Another common ploy is attractive offers from strangers: "free" device repair, guaranteed investments or help with paperwork for an advance payment. It is important to check a company's reputation and not to transfer money without a contract.

      The Interior Ministry also warns about the risks associated with clicking suspicious links. Phishing emails and messages lead to fake websites where victims are tricked into revealing personal data. To avoid this mistake, you should check the URL, pay attention to the domain, avoid clicking unexpected links and type the address manually.

      The sixth mistake is posting personal data on social networks. Public profiles with information about trips, family and work help criminals impersonate the voices of relatives, use the information for phishing and even plan thefts. The agency recommends restricting access to personal information and not posting addresses, tickets or photos of documents.

      At the end of the memo the Interior Ministry stresses that if a person feels pressured, frightened or confused, they should end contact and seek advice from relatives or official services. The main safety rule remains unchanged — "doubt, verify, consult."