Internal Affairs Department Issues Alert Regarding Tourist Chat Scams

🚨 Heads Up!Tourist chats on Telegram are becoming a hot spot for scammers, stealing money and personal data from unsuspecting users. According to reports from TASS and the MVD's department for combating the illegal use of information and communication technologies, these criminals are forming communities posing as fellow travelers or guides, offering joint trips or excursions.

Here's how they operate: Users are conned into making advance payments for these services, after which the scammers vanish or redirect victims to fake tourism websites. These sites, designed to look like legitimate tour operators, trick users into disclosing their personal and payment information, ultimately landing the scammers' hands on this sensitive data. Some even use fake authorizations via social media or messengers.

Stay safe from these sneaky scammers! Here are some tips to avoid getting caught in their web:

Don't trust unsolicited messages: Be cautious of messages from unknown contacts, especially those promising amazing deals or asking for personal information.
Be aware of urgency tactics: Scammers often push victims to act quickly, creating a sense of urgency.
Look for grammar and spelling errors: Genuine tour operators typically have well-written communications.
Avoid clicking suspicious links: Don't click on links that seem fishy, as they might lead to phishing sites.
Beware of overly good offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Never click on links from unknown sources, instead type the URL directly into your browser. Stick to reputable tour booking websites and apps, and avoid providing sensitive information like credit card details in response to unsolicited messages or unverified links. Stay informed by regularly checking for scam alerts and updates from local authorities or travel industry advisories.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these deceptive tourist chats on Telegram. Happy and safe travels!

Scammers on Telegram are disguising themselves as fellow travelers or guides to deceive tourists, leading to unauthorized access to personal and financial data through fake authorizations via social media or messengers.
To avoid becoming a victim of these scammers, be wary of unsolicited messages, urgent requests, and grammar/spelling errors in communication.
Instead of clicking on links from unknown sources, always type the URL directly into your web browser or use reputable tour booking websites and apps.
Stay informed about general-news and crime-and-justice updates related to tourism scams and follow advice from local authorities or travel industry advisories to ensure a hassle-free holiday.