Published on: 2026-09-11
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In Moscow, cases of fraud related to fake lotteries and prize draws are being recorded. Criminals send links to counterfeit websites, promising large winnings in exchange for small payments or offering gifts from well-known brands. Through these actions, fraudsters try to seize personal and banking data in order to steal funds. Experts from the project explained how not to fall for their tricks and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. “Call me back yourself”.
“Fake lotteries and raffles are one of the most insidious methods of fraud. When people are promised an easy and large win, they often lose vigilance, stop thinking rationally, and grant criminals access to their accounts. Recently, the schemes have become more personalized. Criminals collect information about the user, analyze their profile, and construct individual traps. Their goal is to create for players the feeling that the money is practically already in their hands. The tempting prize is displayed on the screen, and it seems that to receive it, all that remains is to enter personal and payment data. This is exactly how these details end up with the fraudsters,” said Valentina Shilina, head of the “Call Yourself Back” project in the capital
The main tool of scammers is social networks and messengers, where they spread links to fake websites. These resources are skillfully disguised as official portals of government agencies or large banks, creating an illusion of legitimacy. For example, users receive an enticing offer: to go to such a “trusted” site and take a short test, participate in a promotion, or spin the wheel of fortune. At the same time, the participant is guaranteed a large prize.
A similar scheme is constructed in another case. The user is sent a link to a website where they have to click on images and open prizes. After a few clicks, a message arrives about a large cash prize. To receive it, one must either enter card details or pay a small fee. In reality, the promised amount does not exist — it is a trap set by criminals.
Another type of fraud is live broadcasts on social networks. During such streams, fraudsters promise viewers large cash payments for sending paid gifts. Supposedly realistic transfer notifications are displayed on the screen. This creates an illusion of authenticity. However, after the broadcast ends, no one receives the promised funds. This scheme especially affects children strongly. They see enthusiastic comments and fake transfer notifications, believe in the reality of the winnings, and spend money from their own or their parents’ cards.
Recently, schemes such as fake auctions in messengers and giveaways on behalf of marketplaces and popular bloggers have been actively spreading. Scammers claim big prizes for small payments. After receiving money or data, they either steal funds from bank cards or send cheap souvenirs disguised as expensive gifts. Users believe they are participating in a promotion by a well-known brand or blogger, but in reality, they become victims of fraudsters.
Experts from the “Call Back Yourself” project remind about simple but important safety rules. First and foremost, never enter bank card details, especially CVC/CVV codes, on websites that lure you with instant wins or rewards for surveys. Government agencies and major banks do not run lotteries with guaranteed payouts for performing simple actions.
Before clicking on the link, you should carefully check the website address. Scammers often use phishing domains. They look just like the real ones but differ by one or two letters. Pay attention to the address bar. A secure connection is indicated by the https protocol and an icon in the form of a lock or shield. If the address or connection raises doubts, do not click on the link.
All emails about giveaways sent on behalf of banks, marketplaces, and government agencies must be verified. Users need to visit the official website of the organization and confirm the authenticity of the received information. In doing so, the address should be typed manually, rather than following a link from the email. If the website does not confirm the giveaway, it means the message was sent by scammers.
In Russia, all lotteries are state-run. Their organizers are the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation. Three operators have been selected to conduct the lotteries: LLC “Sportloto”, LLC “Sports Lotteries”, JSC “GLS”. They operate based on government contracts and under the supervision of the Federal Tax Service of Russia. You can verify the legality of a lottery at on the official website of the agency. It contains information about operators who have active contracts.
Those participating in government lotteries should remember: prepayment to receive the winnings is not required. Taxes and fees are withheld or paid only after the prize is awarded.
If you encounter fraud, it is recommended to contact Roskomnadzor. You can submit an application through agency website. In the special feedback form, you need to provide all known information about the fake resource and describe the problem. Roskomnadzor is authorized to check the site and block it in case of violations. A similar appeal can be sent to the electronic reception Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
More details on how to recognize malicious actors in time and avoid falling for their tricks are explained in this material, dedicated to lotteries.
Information online project “Call me back yourself” created in 2022 by the Moscow Government together with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow. It helps residents of the capital protect themselves and their loved ones from telephone and internet fraud. The project website contains information about upcoming in-person and online events, as well as expert memos and recommendations, and recordings of past webinars and other useful materials. For the convenience of users, lecture recordings can be watched on the project website, as well as on the social network page “VKontakte” and in on the Rutube channel.
The main components of the ‘Call Back Yourself’ project are simple and clear expert advice, relevant stories, and a convenient format. At the events, real cases of victims are analyzed, attention is drawn to scammers’ tricks, and guidance is given on how to behave correctly in such situations.
The creation and maintenance of information security tools, as well as countering cyber fraud, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. More details about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
Quickly get the main news on the official Moscow city channels in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained 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.