VTB Unveils 'Crypto Trap': Messenger Hacks for Urgent Transfers to Digital Assets
VTB has warned about a new wave of fraud where criminals use cryptocurrency as the final stage of the attack. The scheme begins with the hacking of messenger accounts and ends with mass requests for urgent transfers in Bitcoin or USDT. The anonymity and irreversibility of blockchain transactions make the return of funds almost impossible.
Stages of the Attack: From SMS Code to Crypto Demands
According to VTB's press service, it all starts with phone calls or messages under everyday pretexts—'delivery problem', 'urgent help for a relative'. The victim is coaxed to reveal an SMS code, granting access to their Telegram, WhatsApp, or other messenger account.
Once the profile is captured, fraudsters scan contacts and send messages on behalf of the owner: 'Urgently transfer to this wallet, buy crypto.' Emphasizing speed and choosing digital assets is a key indicator. The messages are sent in bulk: the more friends respond, the greater the profit.
Official Statement from VTB
'Fraudsters act swiftly. As soon as funds are received in cryptocurrency, their return becomes almost impossible due to the anonymity and irreversibility of transactions,' the bank's press release states.
Protection Recommendations
VTB urges:
Never share SMS codes with strangers.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in messengers and social networks.
Verify any transfer request, especially in cryptocurrency, with a personal call to a known number.
These measures are standard in the blockchain ecosystem, where, according to industry data, up to 80% of incidents are linked to social engineering rather than technical vulnerabilities.
Market Context
The rise in such schemes coincides with a 20-30% annual increase in crypto turnover in Russia (according to the Central Bank of Russia's estimate). VTB emphasizes: awareness and basic digital hygiene are key defenses while regulatory frameworks continue to develop.
Investors are advised to use only verified exchanges and cold wallets, minimizing the risks of storage on devices connected to the internet.