Residents of Yekaterinburg are being warned about a new fraud scheme that could unwittingly make them accomplices to criminal activity, according to the Ural Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia. The scheme involves illegal online platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges.

Individuals purchasing cryptocurrency on illegal exchanges risk becoming victims of deception. Criminals identify sellers’ applications with similar amounts that are linked to the financing of terrorist or criminal activities. Buyers are then instructed to transfer funds directly to the seller’s card, effectively becoming sponsors of the crime.

Another trap involves withdrawing money from online casinos. While individuals may believe they are receiving funds from the casino, their card details could be used to facilitate drug transactions, with drug buyers transferring money to their account.

The regulator emphasizes that any interaction with illegal structures carries significant risks. This includes account blocking and other issues with banking services. More seriously, clients may find themselves implicated in criminal activity.