Published on: 2026-11-05
Source: Mainfin Bank –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Under what pretext are pensioners persuaded to hand over their money
Calls and messages requesting to transfer money or keep it for safekeeping have become the most common reason for pension clients’ inquiries VTB for insurance compensation. The second place was taken by cases of installing malicious applications. This is stated in the bank’s message based on the analysis of affected clients’ appeals.
The first scheme is based on social engineering – influencing a person so that they themselves perform the actions desired by the criminals. Instead of hacking an account, the perpetrators convince the owner to allocate funds in their favor. The communication usually starts over the phone or messenger, and the proposal to transfer the money is presented as a way to preserve savings.
In 2026, the bank also notes an increase in psychological pressure. Pensioners are told that their relatives, property, or savings are allegedly in danger. Then they are demanded to make an urgent transfer. Some of these scenarios last several days: the criminals maintain contact until they gain access to the money.
Why a familiar app can turn out to be a trap
Malicious programs are disguised by scammers as useful services: applications from government agencies, medical organizations, banks, or utilities payment tools. After installing such software, attackers can gain access to the user’s data.
The danger of this scheme is associated with trust in a familiar service purpose. An offer to install a program for treatment, payments, or account management may appear as ordinary assistance. However, the declared function of the application does not guarantee its safety: in the cases described by the bank, it hides malware.
At the same time, VTB’s conclusions specifically relate to pension clients who applied for insurance compensation. This is not an all-Russian ranking of all crimes against elderly people: the bank did not provide the shares of each scheme or the number of victims in separate categories.
What will help stop a suspicious transfer?
The head of the department of transactional, payroll, and savings products at VTB, Pavel Tulubyev, advised elderly clients not to make financial decisions under pressure. If the interlocutor threatens consequences and rushes the transfer, the conversation should be ended and the client should independently contact a person they trust.
Deputy Head of the Security Department at VTB Dmitry Sarantsev reported that the bank is developing self-limitation tools and a “second-hand” service. These tools are designed for additional control over operations and help the client and their relatives to timely stop a suspicious transfer.
For affected pension clients, the bank offers a free insurance program. From January to September 2026, payments under this program amounted to 124 million rubles. The program has been in operation since 2021 and covers more than five million clients receiving pensions through VTB. The stated amount reflects insurance reimbursements, not the total amount of damage from fraud.
Summary:
- The main reason for pension clients of VTB seeking insurance payments was transfers and money handing over under the influence of fraudsters.
- In second place was the installation of malicious software disguised as banking, government, medical, and utility services.
- In 2026, the bank notes more frequent psychological pressure: criminals use fear for loved ones, property, and savings.
- Pavel Tulubyev recommends interrupting suspicious conversations and consulting trusted people before transferring money.
- In the first three quarters of the year, the bank’s pension clients received 124 million rubles in insurance compensations. The free program covers more than five million people.
09:00 20.10.2026
Source:
Please note; This information is raw content received directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.